Edinburgh Napier University has partnered with Police Scotland for several years on a range of complex issues that intersect policing with public health. A key strategic objective for the university is to make a positive impact on people and communities - bringing together policing with public health research, education, practice and policy work.

Problem:

Scotland has unprecedented numbers of drug-related deaths, with the highest European rate. The Scottish Government wanted Police Scotland to trial carrying and administering Naloxone, an antidote to reverse drug overdoses caused by opioids, to try and reduce drug-related deaths. However, it was not known if this was feasible or acceptable to police officers.

Solution:

Experts from Edinburgh Napier University’s Scottish Centre for Policing and Public Health were invited to support Police Scotland by independently evaluating the potential benefits and perceptions of training and equipping police officers in Scotland with Naloxone nasal spray as part of emergency first aid until ambulance support arrives.

Partnering with Police Scotland to support public health in communities 

It is estimated that crime only accounts for about 20% of Police Scotland’s demand; the other 80% is responding to various types of vulnerability, including substance use. In 2021, Police Scotland and Public Health Scotland formalised a strategy with the university to address public health and wellbeing in communities in Scotland.

A Drugs Death Task Force was established by the Scottish Government to examine what role policing could play in improving community wellbeing, particularly in respect to reducing drug-related deaths, and addressing problem drug use and the associated complex health and social issues.

Influencing policy change & reducing drug-related deaths

Edinburgh Napier University researched the potential benefits and perceptions of police officers carrying and administering Naloxone. An extensive study was conducted, involving a survey, interviews and focus groups. The study assessed police officers’ knowledge and attitudes and sought the opinions of police officers and the view of people who used drugs, their family members and support staff.

The report recommended that Police Scotland carry Naloxone. Following the successful pilot, it is now used by police officers as a first aid intervention to reverse near fatal drug overdoses. As of May 2024, there have been over 520 interventions in respect of the use of Naloxone and many lives saved. This has influenced policy change in Scottish policing and brought significant international attention to the intersect of policing and public health in Scotland.