Police carriage of naloxone: process evaluation

Product Description

Naloxone is a life-saving drug that reverses the effects of an opioid overdose and can help to prevent overdose deaths. In 2005, legislation enabled naloxone to be administered by anyone in an emergency, improving access for those at risk of opioid-related harm. Amendments to the legislation in 2015 and 2019 enabled naloxone to be supplied by drug services without prescription, widening provision. The 2020 Independent review of drugs by Dame Carol Black highlighted rising opioid misuse and overdose deaths in England and Wales, recommending expanded harm reduction measures, including wider naloxone availability.

Equipping police officers with naloxone has emerged as an important strategy, leveraging their frequent interactions with individuals at risk of overdose. The 2021 10-year drug strategy emphasises this approach. As of December 2024 in the UK:

• 32 police forces in the UK had some provision of naloxone carriage, either ongoing (24) or piloting (8)
• 7 have agreed but have yet to implement the provision of naloxone
• 5 were committed to piloting in the near future
• 2 forces have no carriage or plans to carry

There have been 1,232 administrations of naloxone in the UK by the police between June 2019 and 30 December 2024.