Northwest Fentanyl Overdose Investigations Working Group

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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WORKING GROUP COORDINATORS

Detective Kevin Kinglsey Email: kevin.kingsley@wsp.wa.gov Intel Analyst Matt Croft Email: mcroft@nw.hidta.org