Operational Readiness for Police Officers

Effective Strategies and Practical Techniques for Addressing Opioid Use Disorder and Co-occurring Conditions

Police officers are often the first to encounter individuals in crisis, making it crucial to equip them with the right knowledge and tools to respond safely and effectively. This four-hour, online, self-paced course is designed to give you practical strategies to manage challenges posed by the opioid crisis and handle interactions with individuals affected by opioid use disorder (OUD) and co-occurring substance use disorders (SUD) or mental health (MH) conditions. Learn to de-escalate crises, connect individuals to needed resources, and minimize risks to both you and the community.

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About the Operational Readiness for Police Officers: OUD Program

This course is designed to prepare law enforcement officers to effectively handle crises involving OUD and related mental health conditions. With the opioid epidemic posing significant challenges for public safety, officers need the tools to respond with empathy, safety and precision. Through four comprehensive modules, this course covers the complexities of OUD, including the use of Naloxone, the impact of co-occurring mental health disorders, legal considerations,and best practices for de-escalation. The goal is to equip officers with practical strategies to manage these crises safely, while building trust with individuals in need.

Ultimately, this course is aimed at improving officer-community relations by fostering trust and reducing the stigma around addiction. By focusing on harm reduction and non-punitive approaches, officers will be better positioned to support individuals with OUD, reduce the risk of escalation and strengthen community ties through compassionate, effective interventions.

Program details

Cost: $450 per officer

Online format: eight modules

Rolling admission — start anytime:

Self-paced
Workbooks, eBooks and all course materials
Interactive discussion boards
Complete in just 4 hours

In-person format: four consecutive days

Dates TBD:

Breakfast and lunch
Workbooks, eBooks and all course materials
Round-table discussions

Operational Readiness for Police Officers Curriculum

Each module introduces key concepts such as the CARE approach — Calm the Situation, Assess for Danger, Respond with Empathy and Engage Resources — which serves as a practical framework officers can apply in the field. Officers will learn how to assess and manage high-risk situations, utilize verbal and non-verbal communication techniques, and connect individuals to appropriate care services. In addition, the course provides real-world case studies and scenario-based exercises that reinforce these skills and strategies in action.

Included with the course is the Operational Readiness for Police Officers: OUD Power Pack. This toolkit includes the program workbook with lesson guides and discussion topics, eBooks, templates, reference posters and referral network guide. These resources ensure officers have easy access to important information and can build on their skills beyond the course itself. They also serve as quick references during real-world situations where immediate action is necessary.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:

Recognize the behavioral and physical signs of OUD and understand its impact on individuals and communities.
Understand the role of co-occurring mental health conditions in complicating OUD treatment and response efforts.
Know how to respond to an opioid overdose emergency and the proper use of Naloxone.
Apply verbal and non-verbal de-escalation techniques to safely manage crises involving individuals with OUD.
Navigate the legal considerations involved in responding to OUD, including understanding the rights of individuals under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Utilize community resources and mental health services to provide ongoing support and care for individuals affected by OUD.
Document crisis interventions effectively, to reduce liability and protect both law enforcement and individuals in crisis.

What you'll learn

Module 1: Understanding OUD and Co-occurring Conditions

Gain an in-depth look at OUD and its common co-occurring mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression and PTSD. You'll learn to recognize the behavioral and physical signs of OUD, understand the challenges posed by co-occurring conditions and explore the best practices for identifying individuals at risk. By the end of the module, you'll have a foundational understanding of how to respond effectively to these crises, focusing on compassionate care and safe intervention.
Module 2: Recognizing and Responding to OUD

Become equipped with the tools and techniques necessary to recognize and respond to individuals experiencing a crisis due to OUD. You will explore the key behavioral and physical signs of opioid use and learn how to apply verbal and non-verbal de-escalation techniques to safely manage high-risk situations. This module emphasizes crisis intervention strategies that prioritize both officer and public safety, while helping individuals with OUD receive the care they need.
Module 3: Best Practices for Field Collaboration

Learn how to engage with health care providers, treatment centers and community resources to ensure individuals receive the appropriate care. Emphasizing harm reduction principles, this module covers best practices for field collaboration and the importance of building strong partnerships with local and state resources. By integrating these strategies, you'll foster safer interactions in the field. Additionally, you'll gain a comprehensive guide to national and local resources for mental health and substance use disorder treatment, reinforcing how to put these strategies into action and ensuring better outcomes for those in crisis.
Module 4: Real-World Application and Resource Utilization

This module brings together everything you've learned through scenario-based exercises designed to apply the skills and strategies needed to handle crises involving OUD. You will participate in realistic scenarios, using the CARE approach — Calm the Situation, Assess for Danger, Respond with Empathy, and Engage Resources — as well as de-escalation techniques, collaboration skills and referral processes to connect individuals with the appropriate resources. You'll also develop a crisis intervention action plan by incorporating the CARE approach and strategies you’ve learned to de-escalate the situation and ensure safety.

Enroll Today!

Prepare your department for the challenges posed by the opioid crisis. By enrolling your officers in this comprehensive course, you're equipping them with the critical skills and knowledge needed to safely and effectively respond to individuals in crisis. This training covers de-escalation techniques, crisis intervention and strategies for managing opioid use disorder, ensuring that your team is prepared. Give your officers the tools to handle these situations with confidence, protect your community and build stronger relationships with those you serve.

Meet the leadership team

Thomas B. Smith, M.S.

Sergeant
Crisis Response Team, Baltimore City Police Department
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Dawn N. Peake, M.S.

Co-Founder, Training Consultant
Innovative Training Solutions LLC
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Martin Bartness

Senior Principal
Center for Management and Technical Assistance, Police Executive Research Forum
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Seth Glass

Detective
Austin Police Department
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Mike Fickel