Police officer attitudes towards syringe services programming

Abstract Background As the United States experiences a drug overdose epidemic, syringe services programs (SSPs) have been utilized to reduce rates of infectious disease and improve treatment outcomes for people who inject drugs (PWID). Police officer support of SSPs is crucial to program success. One way to improve officer support and collaboration is to develop officer training presentations about SSP services and procedures as well as information on officers’ roles in program implementation. Methods Researchers accompanied staff from the Marion County Safe Syringe Access and Support Program as they provided SSP training presentations to Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officers at district roll calls. Immediately following each presentation, officers completed a survey measuring attitudes toward SSPs, PWID, and the information presented. Results Of the 339 completed surveys returned, most officers expressed support for the SSP and a desire to help PWID. However, those with experience of a needle stick injury were more critical of the program, reporting it enables drug use. Approximately half of respondents reported limited knowledge of SSPs, even after the training. Qualitative data indicate about half of officers reported they could use discretion in deciding whether to arrest for illegal possession of a syringe. Conclusions Overall findings indicate positive attitudes towards SSPs; however, officer feedback identifies several concerns and areas for improvement. Public health agencies must develop comprehensive, tailored presentations that address common officer concerns and misconceptions regarding SSPs, PWIDs, and harm reduction strategies to improve officer support.