Objective:
The purpose of this working group is to assess, improve upon, and standardize the processes involved in overdose death investigations. Given the extremely high rate of overdose deaths, particularly those involving fentanyl, its derivatives and other opioids, the group will focus on identifying best practices, addressing challenges, and developing recommendations that enhance investigations while promoting public health and safety.
Goals:
- Standardization of Protocols: Develop clear and consistent guidelines for how overdose deaths can be investigated by law enforcement, ensuring that responses are evidence-based and consistent across jurisdictions.
- Collaboration with Public Health Entities: Foster closer collaboration between law enforcement and public health professionals (e.g., medical examiners, toxicologists, and addiction specialists) to create a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary approach to overdose death investigations.
- Data Collection and Sharing: Improve the collection, analysis, and sharing of data related to overdose deaths, with an emphasis on improving investigative outcomes and public health responses.
- Protecting Civil Liberties and Rights: Ensure that investigations are conducted in a way that preserves privacy and constitutional rights, particularly when it comes to issues of consent, search and seizure, and stigmatization of individuals who use drugs.
- Training and Resources: Identify training needs and identify resource gaps related to overdose death investigations, This includes, understanding substance use disorders, the importance and use of naloxone, and trauma-informed investigation techniques.
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Upcoming Session of Working Group
NORTHWEST FENTANYL OVERDOSE INVESTIGATIONS WORKING GROUP
FEBRUARY 20, 2025
The purpose of this working group is to assess, improve, and standardize the processes involved in overdose death investigations by law enforcement agencies. Given the rising rates of overdose deaths, particularly those involving opioids and other substances, the group will focus on identifying best practices, addressing challenges, and developing recommendations that enhance the effectiveness of investigations while promoting public health and safety.
TOPICS WILL INCLUDE: Case Overviews, Round table Discussion; and 2025 Working Group Plans and Updates
IN-PERSON AND VIRTUAL ATTENDANCE AVAILABLE
NORTHWEST FENTANYL OVERDOSE INVESTIGATIONS WORKING GROUP
MAY 22, 2025
The purpose of this working group is to assess, improve, and standardize the processes involved in overdose death investigations by law enforcement agencies. Given the rising rates of overdose deaths, particularly those involving opioids and other substances, the group will focus on identifying best practices, addressing challenges, and developing recommendations that enhance the effectiveness of investigations while promoting public health and safety.
TOPICS: TO BE DETERMINED
IN-PERSON AND VIRTUAL ATTENDANCE AVAILABLE
NORTHWEST FENTANYL OVERDOSE INVESTIGATIONS WORKING GROUP
JULY 24, 2025
The purpose of this working group is to assess, improve, and standardize the processes involved in overdose death investigations by law enforcement agencies. Given the rising rates of overdose deaths, particularly those involving opioids and other substances, the group will focus on identifying best practices, addressing challenges, and developing recommendations that enhance the effectiveness of investigations while promoting public health and safety.
TOPICS: TO BE DETERMINED
IN-PERSON AND VIRTUAL ATTENDANCE AVAILABLE
NORTHWEST FENTANYL OVERDOSE INVESTIGATIONS WORKING GROUP
OCTOBER 16, 2025
The purpose of this working group is to assess, improve, and standardize the processes involved in overdose death investigations by law enforcement agencies. Given the rising rates of overdose deaths, particularly those involving opioids and other substances, the group will focus on identifying best practices, addressing challenges, and developing recommendations that enhance the effectiveness of investigations while promoting public health and safety.
TOPICS: TO BE DETERMINED
IN-PERSON AND VIRTUAL ATTENDANCE AVAILABLE
Upcoming Classes on Overdose Investigations
OVERDOSE DEATH INVESTIGATIONS AND WHY THEY MATTER
MARCH 26, 2025
Drug overdoses involve more than just the victim. They extend to a grieving family, the first responders, their community, and a fearful public which is left wondering when the overdoses will stop. And, overdoses are increasing rapidly everywhere. Many of these cases are workable and solvable, even if they are considered "stale" or not under ideal conditions. Moreover, they are important. They bring some measure of peace to the family, they deter would-be drug dealers, and help stem the tide of overdoses we are currently seeing. "Overdose Investigations and Why They Matter" provides a summary of experiences working opioid death investigations. The training highlights best practices and unique challenges of these complicated and time-consuming cases. Instructors will provide an overview of the case process and procedures when working suspected overdose death investigations, and will review the Washington State Controlled Substance Homicides RCW 69.50.415. Instructors will use case studies as the format for the discussion and are looking for active engagement from class attendees. These investigations are very impactful to the family members of deceased victims, and the their assistance is crucial to the success of each investigation. To that end, this presentation will also feature a victim impact panel consisting of family members connected to cases that the instructors have investigated. Instructors will also illustrate how data obtained by investigators have helped build chargeable cases.
WORKING GROUP COORDINATORS
Detective Kevin Kinglsey Email: kevin.kingsley@wsp.wa.gov Intel Analyst Matt Croft Email: mcroft@nw.hidta.org
