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Christopher M, Bowen S, Witkiewitz K, Grupe D, Goerling R, Hunsinger M, Oken B, Korecki T, Rosenbaum N. A multisite feasibility randomized clinical trial of mindfulness-based resilience training for aggression, stress, and health in law enforcement officers. BMC Complement Med Ther 2024; 24:142. [PMID: 38575888 PMCID: PMC10993469 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-024-04452-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Law enforcement officers (LEOs) are exposed to significant stressors that can impact their mental health, increasing risk of posttraumatic stress disorder, burnout, at-risk alcohol use, depression, and suicidality. Compromised LEO health can subsequently lead to aggression and excessive use of force. Mindfulness training is a promising approach for high-stress populations and has been shown to be effective in increasing resilience and improving mental health issues common among LEOs. METHODS This multi-site, randomized, single-blind clinical feasibility trial was intended to establish optimal protocols and procedures for a future full-scale, multi-site trial assessing effects of mindfulness-based resilience training (MBRT) versus an attention control (stress management education [SME]) and a no-intervention control, on physiological, attentional, and psychological indices of stress and mental health. The current study was designed to enhance efficiency of recruitment, engagement and retention; optimize assessment, intervention training and outcome measures; and ensure fidelity to intervention protocols. Responsiveness to change over time was examined to identify the most responsive potential proximate and longer-term assessments of targeted outcomes. RESULTS We observed high feasibility of recruitment and retention, acceptability of MBRT, fidelity to assessment and intervention protocols, and responsiveness to change for a variety of putative physiological and self-report mechanism and outcome measures. CONCLUSIONS Results of this multi-site feasibility trial set the stage for a full-scale, multi-site trial testing the efficacy of MBRT on increasing LEO health and resilience, and on decreasing more distal outcomes of aggression and excessive use of force that would have significant downstream benefits for communities they serve. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03784846 . Registered on December 24th, 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Christopher
- School of Graduate Psychology, Pacific University, 190 SE 8thAve, Suite 260, Hillsboro, OR, 97123, USA.
| | - Sarah Bowen
- School of Graduate Psychology, Pacific University, 190 SE 8thAve, Suite 260, Hillsboro, OR, 97123, USA
| | - Katie Witkiewitz
- Department of Psychology, University of New Mexico, 2001 Redondo S Dr, Albuquerque, NM, 87106, USA
| | - Daniel Grupe
- Center for Healthy Minds, University of Wisconsin Madison, 625 West Washington Ave, Madison, WI, 53703, USA
| | - Richard Goerling
- School of Graduate Psychology, Pacific University, 190 SE 8thAve, Suite 260, Hillsboro, OR, 97123, USA
| | - Matthew Hunsinger
- School of Graduate Psychology, Pacific University, 190 SE 8thAve, Suite 260, Hillsboro, OR, 97123, USA
| | - Barry Oken
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Neurological Disorders, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Tyrus Korecki
- Department of Psychology, University of California Los Angeles, 1285 Franz Hall, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Nils Rosenbaum
- Behavioral Sciences Department, Albuquerque Police Department, 400 Rome, NW, Albuquerque, NM, 87102, USA
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Jahn JL, Schwartz GL. Who are the "police" in "police violence"? Fatal violence by U.S. law enforcement agencies across levels of government. Inj Epidemiol 2024; 11:13. [PMID: 38575984 PMCID: PMC10993425 DOI: 10.1186/s40621-024-00496-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Police violence is increasingly recognized as an urgent public health problem. Basic questions about police violence, however, remain unanswered, including which types of law enforcement agency are responsible for fatal police violence deaths. METHODS We estimated the proportion of police violence deaths in the U.S. (2013-2022) that were attributable to local, county, state, federal, or tribal police agencies, using mapping police violence data. We examined proportions overall, by decedent race/ethnicity, and by state. RESULTS Nationally, 60% of decedents were killed by municipal, 29% by county, 8% by state, and 3% by federal, police, with < 1% killed by tribal or other officers. These proportions varied by race/ethnicity, with 56% of Native American decedents killed by municipal police compared to 70-75% among other racially minoritized people. While municipal police were responsible for most deaths in most states, in the Southeast, county police predominated. In some Northeastern states (and Alaska), state police were responsible for > 40% of deaths. CONCLUSIONS We identify wide geographic & racial/ethnic variation in the agencies responsible for fatal police violence. Findings suggest that the budgetary and infrastructural shifts required to prevent fatal police violence need to occur at multiple levels of government.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaquelyn L Jahn
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, The Ubuntu Center on Racism, Global Movements and Population Health Equity, Drexel University Dornsife School of Public Health, 3600 Market St., Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| | - Gabriel L Schwartz
- Department of Health Management and Policy, Urban Health Collaborative, Drexel University Dornsife School of Public Health, 3600 Market St., Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
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3
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Bruzelius E, Martins SS. Recreational cannabis legalization and immigration enforcement: a state-level analysis of arrests and deportations in the United States, 2009-2020. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:936. [PMID: 38561706 PMCID: PMC10986106 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18334-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recreational cannabis laws (RCL) in the United States (US) can have important implications for people who are non-citizens, including those with and without formal documentation, and those who are refugees or seeking asylum. For these groups, committing a cannabis-related infraction, even a misdemeanor, can constitute grounds for status ineligibility, including arrest and deportation under federal immigration policy-regardless of state law. Despite interconnections between immigration and drug policy, the potential impacts of increasing state cannabis legalization on immigration enforcement are unexplored. METHODS In this repeated cross-sectional analysis, we tested the association between state-level RCL adoption and monthly, state-level prevalence of immigration arrests and deportations related to cannabis possession. Data were from the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse. Immigration arrest information was available from Oct-2014 to May-2018 and immigration deportation information were available from Jan-2009 to Jun-2020 for. To test associations with RCLs, we fit Poisson fixed effects models that controlled for pre-existing differences between states, secular trends, and potential sociodemographic, sociopolitical, and setting-related confounders. Sensitivity analyses explored potential violations to assumptions and sensitivity to modeling specifications. RESULTS Over the observation period, there were 7,739 immigration arrests and 48,015 deportations referencing cannabis possession. By 2020, 12 stated adopted recreational legalization and on average immigration enforcement was lower among RCL compared to non-RCL states. In primary adjusted models, we found no meaningful changes in arrest prevalence, either immediately following RCL adoption (Prevalence Ratio [PR]: 0.84; [95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 0.57, 1.11]), or 1-year after the law was effective (PR: 0.88 [CI: 0.56, 1.20]). For the deportation outcome, however, RCL adoption was associated with a moderate relative decrease in deportation prevalence in RCL versus non-RCL states (PR: 0.68 [CI: 0.56, 0.80]; PR 1-year lag: 0.68 [CI: 0.54, 0.82]). Additional analyses were mostly consistent by suggested some sensitivities to modeling specification. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that decreasing penalties for cannabis possession through state RCLs may reduce some aspects of immigration enforcement related to cannabis possession. Greater attention to the immigration-related consequences of current drug control policies is warranted, particularly as more states weigh the public health benefits and drawbacks of legalizing cannabis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Bruzelius
- Substance Use Epidemiology Training Program (SAETP), Department of Epidemiology, Joseph L. Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 W. 168th St. Suite 511, 10032, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Silvia S Martins
- Substance Use Epidemiology Training Program (SAETP), Department of Epidemiology, Joseph L. Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 W. 168th St. Suite 511, 10032, New York, NY, USA
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4
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Gleeson MB, Grindle H, Gleeson MM. Letter to the Editor: Supporting Drivers with Autism and Police Officer Interactions-Connecticut's Blue Envelope Program. J Autism Dev Disord 2024:10.1007/s10803-024-06315-4. [PMID: 38502422 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-024-06315-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
The rising prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has led to increased efforts to support individuals with ASD across numerous aspects of life, including driving. While obtaining a driver's license substantially impacts quality of life and independence, it also creates distinct challenges for those with ASD. Challenges surrounding social communication, executive functioning, and sensory sensitivities are particularly evident when considering interactions between drivers with ASD and law enforcement personnel. Connecticut's Blue Envelope Program aims to improve interactions between drivers with and ASD law enforcement by providing instructions for officers and drivers to follow during routine traffic stops on a physical, blue colored, envelope. The instructional guidelines aim to assist officers in understanding and appropriately responding to common ASD-related behaviors which may be otherwise misinterpreted and includes accommodations officers could consider during a stop. Additionally, the envelope outlines clear steps for drivers with ASD to follow through the stop as to support predictability and expectations. The widespread acceptance, efficacy and popularity of the Blue Envelope program underscores the importance of increasing awareness and understanding of ASD among law enforcement and the need for more supports to aid in these increasing interactions. Discussion is offered on a broader implementation of this program to support individuals with ASD and officers, while improving the outcomes of interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan Brahm Gleeson
- Center of Excellence on Autism Spectrum Disorders, Southern Connecticut State University, 501 Crescent St., New Haven, Ct. 06515, USA.
| | - Harry Grindle
- Centre for Criminology, University of Oxford, St Cross Road, Oxford, OX1 3UL, England
| | - Mark M Gleeson
- UConn School of Medicine, 200 Academic Way, Farmington, CT 06032, USA
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McAllister MJ, Martaindale MH, Dillard CC, Gonzalez DE. Stress response to virtual reality based active shooter training: Impact of caffeine consumption. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2024; 161:106923. [PMID: 38142605 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2023.106923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
Participation in a virtual reality based active shooter training drill (VR-ASD) has been shown to increase biomarkers of stress; however, the impact of caffeine consumption on this response has not been studied. Caffeine ingestion has been shown to have favorable effects on physical and cognitive performance among athletic and tactical occupations alike. This study examined the impact of caffeine ingestion on subjective and physiological markers of stress in response to a mental stress task (MST) which involved participation in a VR-ASD and cognitive challenge consisting of mental arithmetic and a Stroop challenge. Fifty-three subjects were randomly assigned either caffeine (n = 26) or placebo (n = 27) prior to being exposed to the MST. Saliva samples, heart rate (HR), and state-anxiety inventory (SAI) scales, were collected before and after exposure to the MST. Saliva was analyzed for α-amylase (sAA), secretory IgA (SIgA), and cortisol (sCORT) concentrations. The MST resulted in significant increases in sAA, SIgA, HR, and SAI. Immediately post MST, sAA concentrations were significantly higher following the caffeine treatment compared to placebo. These data demonstrate that caffeine consumption results in significantly greater sAA concentrations post MST. This study was pre-registered as a clinical trial ("Impact of supplements on stress markers": NCT05592561).
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J McAllister
- Metabolic & Applied Physiology Laboratory, Department of Health & Human Performance, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX 78666, USA.
| | | | - Courtney C Dillard
- Metabolic & Applied Physiology Laboratory, Department of Health & Human Performance, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX 78666, USA
| | - Drew E Gonzalez
- Department of Kinesiology & Sport Management, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
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6
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Christopher M, Ferry M, Simmons A, Vasquez A, Reynolds B, Grupe D. Psychometric properties of the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire-short form among law enforcement officers. Aggress Behav 2024; 50:e22145. [PMID: 38477412 DOI: 10.1002/ab.22145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Repeatedly capturing national headlines, excessive law enforcement officer (LEO) use of force in critical incident encounters is one of the most divisive human rights issues in the United States. Valid and reliable measures of potential precursors to LEO excessive use of force, such as aggression, are needed. The Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire-short form (BPAQ-SF) is a validated measure of aggression across various populations; however, evaluation of this easily administered measure in high-stress, frontline populations such as LEOs is limited. The primary goal of this study was to evaluate the validity, reliability, and sensitivity to change the BPAQ-SF in a sample of LEOs. A confirmatory factor analysis suggested that the hierarchical solution provides a mixed fit to the data: SBχ²(25.84) = 62.50, p = .0001; comparative fit index = .94, non-normed fit index = .92, root mean square error of approximation = .19 (90% confidence interval = .17-.21), standardized root mean squared residual = .08. The BPAQ-SF demonstrated good internal consistency (α = .84) and test-retest reliability (r = .86), correlations in the expected direction with predictors of and buffers against aggression, and sensitivity to change among LEOs who participated in an intervention targeting aggression. Results support and extend previous findings suggesting that the BPAQ-SF is a valid and reliable measure of aggression among LEOs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marissa Ferry
- School of Graduate Psychology, Pacific University, Hillsboro, Oregon, USA
| | - Akeesha Simmons
- School of Graduate Psychology, Pacific University, Hillsboro, Oregon, USA
| | - Alicia Vasquez
- School of Graduate Psychology, Pacific University, Hillsboro, Oregon, USA
| | - Brooke Reynolds
- School of Graduate Psychology, Pacific University, Hillsboro, Oregon, USA
| | - Daniel Grupe
- Center for Healthy Minds, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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7
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Xu J, Haigney MC, Levine BD, Dineen EH. The Tactical Athlete: Definitions, Cardiovascular Assessment, and Management, and "Fit for Duty" Standards. Card Electrophysiol Clin 2024; 16:93-105. [PMID: 38280817 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccep.2023.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
Tactical athletes are individuals in the military, law enforcement, and other professions whose occupations have significant physical fitness requirements coupled with the potential for exposure to life-threatening situations. Such exposures can have varied hemodynamic effects on the cardiovascular system. It is crucial that their clinical evaluation is inclusive of specific occupational requirements. Safety protocols regarding medical clearance are relatively more stringent for this population than for competitive athletes due to the increased impact to the tactical athlete, their team, and the population they aim to serve and protect should they experience a cardiovascular event on the job.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Xu
- University of California Irvine Medical Center, 333 City Boulevard West, Suite 400, Orange, CA 92868-3298, USA
| | - Mark C Haigney
- Military Cardiovascular Outcomes Research, Uniformed Services University, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Benjamin D Levine
- Institute for Exercise and Environmental Medicine, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 7232 Greenville Avenue, Suite 435, Dallas, TX 75231, USA
| | - Elizabeth H Dineen
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA.
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Cepeda JA, Beletsky L, Abramovitz D, Saldana CR, Kahn JG, Bañuelos A, Rangel G, Arredondo J, Vickerman P, Bórquez A, Strathdee SA, Martin NK. Cost-effectiveness of a police education program on HIV and overdose among people who inject drugs in Tijuana, Mexico. Lancet Reg Health Am 2024; 30:100679. [PMID: 38327278 PMCID: PMC10847144 DOI: 10.1016/j.lana.2024.100679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Background Incarceration is associated with drug-related harms among people who inject drugs (PWID). We trained >1800 police officers in Tijuana, Mexico on occupational safety and HIV/HCV, harm reduction, and decriminalization reforms (Proyecto Escudo). We evaluated its effect on incarceration, population impact and cost-effectiveness on HIV and fatal overdose among PWID. Methods We assessed self-reported recent incarceration in a longitudinal cohort of PWID before and after Escudo. Segmented regression was used to compare linear trends in log risk of incarceration among PWID pre-Escudo (2012-2015) and post-Escudo (2016-2018). We estimated population impact using a dynamic model of HIV transmission and fatal overdose among PWID, with incarceration associated with syringe sharing and fatal overdose. The model was calibrated to HIV and incarceration patterns in Tijuana. We compared a scenario with Escudo (observed incarceration declines for 2 years post-Escudo among PWID from the segmented regression) compared to a counterfactual of no Escudo (continuation of stable pre-Escudo trends), assessing cost-effectiveness from a societal perspective. Using a 2-year intervention effect and 50-year time horizon, we determined the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER, in 2022 USD per disability-adjusted life years [DALYs] averted). Findings Compared to stable incarceration pre-Escudo, for every three-month interval in the post-Escudo period, recent incarceration among PWID declined by 21% (adjusted relative risk = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.68-0.91). Based on these declines, we estimated 1.7% [95% interval: 0.7%-3.5%] of new HIV cases and 12.2% [4.5%-26.6%] of fatal overdoses among PWID were averted in the 2 years post-Escudo, compared to a counterfactual without Escudo. Escudo was cost-effective (ICER USD 3746/DALY averted compared to a willingness-to-pay threshold of $4842-$13,557). Interpretation Escudo is a cost-effective structural intervention that aligned policing practices and human-rights-based public health practices, which could serve as a model for other settings where policing constitutes structural HIV and overdose risk among PWID. Funding National Institute on Drug Abuse, UC MEXUS CONACyT, and the San Diego Center for AIDS Research (SD CFAR).
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier A. Cepeda
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Leo Beletsky
- School of Law, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Daniela Abramovitz
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Carlos Rivera Saldana
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - James G. Kahn
- Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Gudelia Rangel
- Mexico Section, U.S.-Mexico Border Health Commission, Tijuana, Mexico
| | - Jaime Arredondo
- Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, University of Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Peter Vickerman
- Population Health Science Institute, University of Bristol, UK
| | - Annick Bórquez
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Steffanie A. Strathdee
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Natasha K. Martin
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
- Population Health Science Institute, University of Bristol, UK
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Castillo-Manzano JI, Castro-Nuño M, Lopez-Valpuesta L. Planning traffic surveillance in Spain: How to optimize the management of police resources to reduce road fatalities. Eval Program Plann 2024; 102:102379. [PMID: 37862855 DOI: 10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2023.102379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
Although traffic police enforcement is widely recognized as a key action in the road safety field, it can be a costly policy to implement. In addition, governments often impose budget constraints that can limit the resources available for activities such as law enforcement and surveillance. To evaluate the impact of human traffic control resources planning on traffic fatalities on Spanish NUTS-3 regions interurban roads, this paper uses an econometric model to investigate the performance of police enforcement intensity by focusing on two crucial traffic law infractions (i.e., speeding and drunk driving). After controlling for a range of economic, demographic, climate, and risk exposure variables, results highlight the relevance of visible, human, and in-person traffic law enforcement through regular vehicle patrols for reducing traffic crashes, with a non-significant effect of automatic enforcement. Our findings have important implications for traffic police resource management regarding the effective maintenance of patrol cars and plans to digitalize and automatize police administrative tasks and procedures.
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Wood LL, Barrenger S, Bonfine N. Contextual Factors of Mental Health Crisis Calls to Law Enforcement: A Brief Report. Community Ment Health J 2024; 60:403-409. [PMID: 37768479 DOI: 10.1007/s10597-023-01185-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Law enforcement officers are frequent first responders to people experiencing mental health or suicide crises. Yet, as communities consider expanding crisis response options, we know very little about the nature of these calls that could inform decision making about which crisis response is best suited for the situation. This study is an exploratory, descriptive assessment of contextual factors, both individual and situational, of mental health and suicide crisis calls. Our dataset includes 166 calls to 9-1-1 related to a mental health emergency or suicide crisis. The majority were calls related to suicide (125 calls, 75%), which included more contextual factors than mental health crisis calls. Most calls resulted in the subject being transferred to the local emergency department (60%) or were resolved on scene (12%). Police use of force was rare, and no arrests were reported. The implications of these findings for communities developing alternatives to law enforcement crisis response are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leslie L Wood
- Department of Psychiatry, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, OH, USA.
- Department of Sociology and Criminology, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA.
| | - Stacey Barrenger
- Department of Psychiatry, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, OH, USA
| | - Natalie Bonfine
- Department of Psychiatry, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, OH, USA
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Beaugard CA, Formica SW, Cummins ER, Bagley SM, Beletsky L, Green TC, Murray SP, Yan S, Xuan Z, Walley AY, Carroll JJ. Privacy and confidentiality in Massachusetts' post-overdose outreach programs: Mixed methods analysis of outreach staff surveys and interviews. Int J Drug Policy 2024; 124:104310. [PMID: 38181671 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2023.104310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Public health-public safety partnerships for post-overdose outreach have emerged in many communities to prevent future overdose events. These efforts often identify overdose survivors through emergency call data and seek to link them with relevant services. The aim of this study was to describe how post-overdose outreach programs in Massachusetts manage the confidentiality of identifiable information and privacy of survivors. METHODS In 2019, 138 Massachusetts programs completed surveys eliciting responses to questions about program operations. Descriptive statistics were calculated from the closed-ended survey responses. Thirty-eight interviews were conducted among outreach staff members during 2019-2020. Interview transcripts and open-ended survey responses were thematically analyzed using deductive and inductive approaches. RESULTS Of programs that completed the survey, 90 % (n = 124/138) reported acting to protect the privacy of survivors following overdose events, and 84 % (n = 114/135) reported implementing a protocol to maintain the confidentiality of personal information. Interviews with outreach team members indicated substantial variation in practice. Outreach programs regularly employed discretion in determining actions in the field, sometimes undermining survivor privacy and confidentiality (e.g., by disclosing the overdose event to family members). Programs aiming to prioritize privacy and confidentiality attempted to make initial contact with survivors by phone, limited or concealed materials left behind when no one was home, and/or limited the number of contact attempts. CONCLUSIONS Despite the establishment of privacy and confidentiality protocols within most post-overdose outreach programs, application of these procedures was varied, discretionary, and at times viewed by staff as competing with engagement efforts. Individual outreach overdose teams should prioritize privacy and confidentiality during outreach to protect overdose survivors from undesired exposure. In addition to individual program changes, access to overdose survivor information could be changed across all programs to bolster privacy and confidentiality protocols. For example, transitioning the management of overdose-related information to non-law enforcement agencies would limit officers' ability to disseminate such information at their discretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corinne A Beaugard
- Boston University School of Social Work, 264 Bay State Road, Boston MA 02215, United States.
| | - Scott W Formica
- Social Science Research and Evaluation, Inc., 84 Mill St., Lincoln, MA 01773, United States
| | - Emily R Cummins
- Ariadne Labs, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 405 Park Drive, Boston, MA 02215, United States
| | - Sarah M Bagley
- Boston Medical Center and Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Grayken Center for Addiction, Clinical Addiction Research and Education Unit, Section of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, 801 Massachusetts Ave, 2nd Floor, Boston, MA, 02118, United States
| | - Leo Beletsky
- Northeastern University School of Law, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, and the Action Lab 416 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Traci C Green
- The Heller School for Social Policy and Management at Brandeis University, Institute for Behavioral Health, 415 South Street MS 035, Waltham, MA 02453, United States
| | - Stephen P Murray
- Boston Medical Center, Grayken Center for Addiction, Clinical Addiction Research and Education Unit, Section of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, 801 Massachusetts Ave, 2nd Floor, Boston, MA, 02118, United States
| | - Shapei Yan
- Boston Medical Center, Grayken Center for Addiction, Clinical Addiction Research and Education Unit, Section of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, 801 Massachusetts Ave, 2nd Floor, Boston, MA, 02118, United States
| | - Ziming Xuan
- Boston University School of Public Health, Department of Community Health Sciences, Crosstown Building - CT 454, 801 Massachusetts Ave, 4th Floor, Boston, MA 02118, United States
| | - Alexander Y Walley
- Boston Medical Center and Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Grayken Center for Addiction, Clinical Addiction Research and Education Unit, Section of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, 801 Massachusetts Ave, 2nd Floor, Boston, MA, 02118, United States
| | - Jennifer J Carroll
- Department of Sociology & Anthropology, North Carolina State University, 10 Current Drive, Raleigh, NC 27605, United States
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Park J, Wozniak D, Zahabi M. Modeling novice law enforcement officers' interaction with in-vehicle technology. Appl Ergon 2024; 114:104154. [PMID: 37883912 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2023.104154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Cognitive performance models have been used in several human factors domains such as driving and human-computer interaction. However, most models are limited to expert performance with rough adjustments to consider novices despite prior studies suggesting novices' cognitive, perceptual, and motor behaviors are different from experts. The objective of this study was to develop a cognitive performance model for novice law enforcement officers (N-CPM) to model their performance and memory load while interacting with in-vehicle technology. The model was validated based on a ride-along study with 10 novice law enforcement officers (nLEOs). The findings suggested that there were no significant differences between the N-CPM and observation data in most cases, while the results of the benchmark model were different from that of N-CPM. The model can be applied to improve future nLEO's patrol mission performance through redesigning in-vehicle technologies and training methods to reduce their workload and driving distraction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junho Park
- Industrial and Systems Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - David Wozniak
- Industrial and Systems Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Maryam Zahabi
- Industrial and Systems Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
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13
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Davenport L, Halford E. Building police capability in child protection in Kenya. Child Abuse Negl 2024; 147:106538. [PMID: 37984197 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2023.106538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Existing literature illustrates a high prevalence of child protection issues throughout Kenya. This is adjoined by additional research detailing issues of corruption, cultural rationalization and the potential lack of capability to deal with the problem in existing law enforcement practices. There is no specific research that investigates the establishment or operational function of a child protection department within law enforcement in Kenya. OBJECTIVE This study aims to directly address this research gap by exploring the establishment of an overseas initiative to support the development of a child protection function in the National Police Service of Kenya and to analyse the conditions in developing the project. PARTICIPANTS, SETTING AND METHODS The study, which took place in Kenya, consists of n = 15 face to face interviews, comprising of n = 10 Kenyan Police Child Protection Officers, and n = 5 National Crime Agency (NCA) officers who contributed to the development of the unit. The semi-structured interviews were based upon existing literature from developing overseas support and child protection in Kenya. CONCLUSION The results evidenced the need to focus in three key areas when building child protection capability overseas to create a successful function; the requirement to tailor context specific understanding of the culture and operating environment, the need to understand the current and potential capabilities within this context, and the importance of obtaining leadership and governance support from appropriate stakeholders both internally and externally. These themes begin to develop a base for the development of international practice for the establishment of overseas child protection policing functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia Davenport
- Policing and Security, Rabdan Academy, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Eric Halford
- Department of Research and Innovation, Rabdan Academy, United Arab Emirates.
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14
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Lupton JR, Johnson E, Prigmore B, Daya MR, Jui J, Thompson K, Nuttall J, Neth MR, Sahni R, Newgard CD. Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest outcomes when law enforcement arrives before emergency medical services. Resuscitation 2024; 194:110044. [PMID: 37952574 PMCID: PMC10842836 DOI: 10.1016/j.resuscitation.2023.110044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Law enforcement (LE) professionals are often dispatched to out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCA) to provide early cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) application with mixed evidence of a survival benefit. Our objective was to comprehensively evaluate LE care in OHCA. METHODS This is a secondary analysis of adults with non-traumatic OHCA not witnessed by EMS and without bystander AED use from 2018-2021. Our primary outcome was survival with Cerebral Perfusion Category score ≤ 2 (functional survival). Our exposures included: LE On-scene Only (without providing care); LE CPR Only (without applying an AED); LE Ideal Care (ensuring CPR and AED application). Our control group had no LE arrival before EMS. We performed multivariable logistic regression analyses adjusting for confounders and stratified our analyses by patients with and without bystander CPR. RESULTS There were 2569 adult, non-traumatic OHCAs from 2018-2021 meeting inclusion criteria. There were no differences in the odds of functional survival for LE On-scene Only (adjusted odds ratio [95% CI]: 1.28 [0.47-3.45]), LE CPR Only (1.26 [0.80-1.99]), or LE Ideal Care (1.36 [0.79-2.33]). In patients without bystander CPR, LE Ideal Care had significantly higher odds of functional survival (2.01 [1.06-3.81]) compared to no LE on-scene, with no significant associations for LE On-scene Only or LE CPR Only. There were no significant differences by LE care in patients already receiving bystander CPR. CONCLUSIONS LE arrival before EMS and ensuring both CPR and AED application is associated with significantly improved functional survival in OHCA patients not already receiving bystander CPR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua R Lupton
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, USA.
| | - Erika Johnson
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, USA
| | - Brian Prigmore
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, USA
| | - Mohamud R Daya
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, USA
| | - Jonathan Jui
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, USA
| | - Kathryn Thompson
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, USA
| | | | - Matthew R Neth
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, USA
| | - Ritu Sahni
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, USA
| | - Craig D Newgard
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, USA
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15
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Poirier MP, Blacklock R, Cao M, Théoret D, Frei L, Gagnon P. Technical-tactical behavior analysis of general duty police officers during non-compliant suspect apprehensions: A novel approach to establish minimum force requirements. Work 2024; 77:1341-1357. [PMID: 38552129 DOI: 10.3233/wor-230307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While effective apprehensions of non-compliant suspects are central to public safety, the minimal force needed to transition a suspect from standing to the ground, vital for apprehension success, has not been established. OBJECTIVE To examine the technical-tactical behaviors of general duty police officers during simulated apprehensions and quantify the minimum force required to destabilize non-compliant suspects. METHODS Task simulations conducted with 91 officers were analyzed to identify common grappling movements, strikes, control tactics, and changes in body posture. A separate assessment of 55 male officers aimed to determine the minimum force required for destabilization in five body regions (wrist, forearm, shoulder, mid-chest, and mid-back). Data are presented as mean±standard deviation. RESULTS On average, apprehensions took 7.3±3.2 seconds. While all officers used grappling movements (100%) and the majority employed control tactics (75%), strikes were seldom used (4%). Apprehensions typically began with a two-handed pull (97%; Contact Phase), 55% then attempted an arm bar takedown, followed by a two-handed cross-body pull (68%; Transition/Control Phase), and a two-handed push to the ground (19%; Ground Phase). All officers began in the upright posture, with most shifting to squat (75%), kneel (58%), or bent (45%) postures to complete the apprehension. The minimum force required to disrupt balance differed across body regions (wrist: 54±12 kg; forearm: 49±12 kg; shoulder: 42±10 kg; mid-chest: 44±11 kg; mid-back: 30±7 kg, all P < 0.05), except between the shoulder and chest (P = 0.19). CONCLUSION These findings provide insights that can enhance the design and accuracy of future apprehension evaluations and inform the optimization of law enforcement physical employment standards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin P Poirier
- Human Performance Research and Development, Directorate of Fitness, Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Rachel Blacklock
- Human Performance Research and Development, Directorate of Fitness, Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Michael Cao
- Human Performance Research and Development, Directorate of Fitness, Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Daniel Théoret
- Human Performance Research and Development, Directorate of Fitness, Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Leslie Frei
- Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Patrick Gagnon
- Human Performance Research and Development, Directorate of Fitness, Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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White RW, Knauff JK, Kverno KS. Empowering law enforcement officers to engage effectively with individuals in crisis. Arch Psychiatr Nurs 2023; 47:1-5. [PMID: 38070987 DOI: 10.1016/j.apnu.2023.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
As first responders with a duty to protect the safety of civilians, law enforcement officers are required to carry firearms. Over the course of a career, officers are exposed to multiple traumatic events and are required to make rapid decisions regarding safety. In the last few years, the use of deadly force by law enforcement officers has become a public concern. Persons with untreated mental illness have a comparatively higher risk than most for deadly outcomes in crisis situations. The purpose of this manuscript is to describe policies and programs that have been developed and implemented by teams that include psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners to help law enforcement officers recognize and interact effectively with persons in crisis. The same programs help officers understand the effects of severe stress and trauma on emotional, behavioral, and cognitive functioning, and provide support, encouragement, and access for officers who need help.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Julia Kaye Knauff
- Ocean County Prosecutor's Office, Toms River, New Jersey; Clinical Coordinator for the First Responder Peer Support Network of North Carolina.
| | - Karan S Kverno
- Georgetown University School of Nursing, Washington, District of Colombia.
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17
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Price JH, Foh EP. Descriptive Epidemiology of Fatal Law Enforcement Interactions with Teenagers, 2010-2020. J Community Health 2023; 48:1026-1030. [PMID: 37306842 DOI: 10.1007/s10900-023-01243-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
There is a dearth of population studies regarding law enforcement officers (LEOs) use of fatal force against teenagers. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to characterize the teens most likely to be killed, the methods used to fatally injure teenagers, the geographic distribution of the killings, and the years of potential life lost before the age of 80 years (YPLL80) due to LEO interactions. Data from the Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System (WISQARS) from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) were analyzed for the years 2010-2020. LEOs killed 330 teenagers; most were males (94.2%) and 6 of 7 teens (84.5%) were shot. The teens killed were disproportionately older teens ages 18-19 years (64.2%) and non-Hispanic Blacks (45.8%) who were usually killed in metropolitan areas (90.0%). The rate of teenage killings by LEOs significantly increased (267%) over the time frame studied. A total of 20,575 YPLL80 were lost and they significantly increased over time (263%). Mitigation of teenagers killed by LEOs will require transforming policing through policy changes (e.g. hiring and training) over an extended period of time. Also, the public needs education, (e.g. funding, interactions) regarding policing.
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18
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Dahlem CH, Patil R, Khadr L, Ploutz-Snyder RJ, Boyd CJ, Shuman CJ. Effectiveness of take ACTION online naloxone training for law enforcement officers. Health Justice 2023; 11:47. [PMID: 37979100 PMCID: PMC10656891 DOI: 10.1186/s40352-023-00250-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Training law enforcement officers (LEOs) to administer naloxone is a recommended strategy to reduce overdose deaths in the United States. To achieve this, an evidence-based and scalable naloxone training curriculum that is easy to use and readily scalable is needed. Convenient web-based training is a flexible method for delivering educational interventions particularly for LEOs who have irregular or shifting schedules. This study examined the effectiveness of a comprehensive web-based naloxone training that was created in partnership with LEOs on their knowledge, confidence, and attitudes regarding naloxone. METHODS From May 2019 to September 2020, five law enforcement departments from Michigan participated in web-based naloxone training. A total of 182 LEOs (77% male) were in the final sample based on matching pre-and post-test surveys. LEOs were assessed on knowledge, confidence, and attitudes towards naloxone. Negative binomial and Poisson regression was conducted to assess associations between knowledge, confidence, and attitudes towards naloxone before and after training. RESULTS Significant improvements in overdose knowledge and confidence were revealed across all departments with median (IQR) total composite scores for knowledge increasing from 35 (32, 37) to 40 (39, 42) (p < 0.01) and confidence increasing from 18.5 (15, 20) to 20 (20, 25) (p < 0.01). Median (IQR) attitude scores did not change. CONCLUSION Our web-based naloxone training was effective in improving knowledge and confidence for LEOs but did not significantly improve LEOs attitudes towards naloxone across most departments. The web-based format is readily scalable and quickly disseminated and meets the immediate need for LEO overdose training. Additional intervention is needed to address the negative attitudes of LEOs regarding naloxone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chin Hwa Dahlem
- Center for the Study of Drugs, Alcohol, Smoking and Health, Department of Health Behavior and Biological Sciences, School of Nursing, University of Michigan, 400 N. Ingalls Rd Rm 3174, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
| | - Rohan Patil
- Center for the Study of Drugs, Alcohol, Smoking and Health, Department of Health Behavior and Biological Sciences, School of Nursing, University of Michigan, 400 N. Ingalls Rd Rm 3174, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Lara Khadr
- Applied Biostatistics Laboratory, Ann Arbor, USA
| | | | - Carol J Boyd
- Center for the Study of Drugs, Alcohol, Smoking and Health, Department of Health Behavior and Biological Sciences, School of Nursing, University of Michigan, 400 N. Ingalls Rd Rm 3174, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Clayton J Shuman
- Center for the Study of Drugs, Alcohol, Smoking and Health, Department of Health Behavior and Biological Sciences, School of Nursing, University of Michigan, 400 N. Ingalls Rd Rm 3174, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Department of System Populations and Leadership, Ann Arbor, USA
- Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
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19
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Combs A, Freeland RE, Alfaro Hudak KM, Mumford EA. The effect of occupational status on health: Putting the social in socioeconomic status. Heliyon 2023; 9:e21766. [PMID: 37954338 PMCID: PMC10638021 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e21766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
High status occupations support positive health outcomes through providing access to both material and psychosocial resources. However, common measures of occupational status such as occupational prestige scores fail to capture cultural esteem that certain occupations can provide because they are primarily associated with the material dimensions of status, like income. Drawing on Weberian conceptions of status and a body of social psychological research on the measurement of cultural meaning, we argue that measuring people's ratings of their occupations on three dimensions-evaluation (good/bad), potency (powerful/weak), and activity (active/inactive)-provides an occupational status indicator that more fully captures psychosocial resources like esteem that are associated with health than more commonly used occupational prestige scores. Using a nationally representative longitudinal health and wellbeing survey of 940 American law enforcement officers collected between 2020 and 2022, we evaluate the predictive ability of evaluation, potency, and activity (EPA) ratings across thirteen measures of health and wellbeing. We find that EPA ratings were significant and positive predictors of eleven of thirteen outcomes with stronger effects for mental health outcomes compared to physical health outcomes. EPA ratings were more predictive than more commonly used occupational prestige scores. We conclude that EPA ratings are better predictors of health outcomes than occupational prestige scores and so may allow health researchers to better understand the relationship between occupational status and health.
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20
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Fix RL, Jindal M, Fine AD. Working to Improve Youth-Police Interactions: A Pilot Evaluation of a Program for Young People. J Prev (2022) 2023; 44:535-559. [PMID: 37351705 DOI: 10.1007/s10935-023-00736-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
In addition to training law enforcement personnel in strategies to promote positive youth-police interactions, equipping youth with similar knowledge is critical in ensuring safe and effective youth-police encounters. The classroom-based Juvenile Justice Curriculum was designed to equip young people with knowledge about the law and their rights and to empower them to have safer interactions with police. In the current study, we conducted the first evaluation of Strategies for Youth's nationally recognized classroom-based intervention. Cross-sectional data were collected from 155 youth (M age = 15.3; 43% White, 23% Black; 61% boys) after they completed the Juvenile Justice Curriculum. Results from our study indicated young people learned new information regarding what leads to arrest and multiple ways they might consider changing their behaviors when interacting with police. Young people's negative experiences with police officers were significantly associated with reduced views that police respect them and reports that they respect police, and with increased views of police as ethnoracially biased after completing the program. Altogether, our pilot program evaluation of this program demonstrated increased awareness of what constitutes illegal behavior, program engagement, and learned strategies to improve future interactions with police. Findings highlight the importance of policy makers supporting programming like the Juvenile Justice Curriculum as one means of preventing juvenile legal system involvement. While the onus to ensure safe and effective interactions with police should not be on young people, empowering young people to understand the law and their rights may help improve the social climate surrounding community responses to police and police interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca L Fix
- Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA.
| | - Monique Jindal
- Clinical Medicine, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, USA
| | - Adam D Fine
- School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Arizona State University, Tempe, USA
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21
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Chen L, Young MEDT, Rodriguez MA, Kietzman K. Immigrants' Enforcement Experiences and Concern about Accessing Public Benefits or Services. J Immigr Minor Health 2023; 25:1077-1084. [PMID: 36859637 PMCID: PMC10509127 DOI: 10.1007/s10903-023-01460-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
Although exclusionary immigration policies are associated with fear of deportation and avoidance of public benefits, relationships between immigration enforcement policy and public charge policies are largely unknown. Using a California population-based survey of 1103 Asian and Latinx immigrants in 2018, we tested the relationship between immigrants' experiences with law enforcement and their concern about public charge. Direct encounters with various forms of law enforcement, including being asked to show proof of citizenship by law enforcement, staying inside to avoid police or immigration officials, and having known someone who had been deported, were associated with immigrants' avoidance of public benefits due to public charge concerns. Latinx immigrants were more likely to be concerns about public charge than Asians. Intersections among immigration policies deserve further consideration. There is a need to provide accurate and reliable information to immigrant communities about public benefits and advocate for inclusive immigration policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Chen
- Department of Social Welfare, Luskin School of Public Affairs and Center for Health Policy Research, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Maria-Elena De Trinidad Young
- Department of Public Health, School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts, University of California Merced, 5200 Lake Road, Merced, CA, 95343, USA.
| | - Michael A Rodriguez
- Department of Family Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Kathryn Kietzman
- Center for Health Policy Research, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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22
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Kimmel SD, Xuan Z, Yan S, Lambert AM, Formica SW, Green TC, Carroll JJ, Bagley SM, Rosenbloom D, Beletsky L, Walley AY. Characteristics of post-overdose outreach programs and municipal-level opioid overdose in Massachusetts. Int J Drug Policy 2023; 120:104164. [PMID: 37713939 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2023.104164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Post-overdose outreach programs have proliferated in response to opioid overdose. Implementing these programs is associated with reductions in overdose rates, but the role of specific program characteristics in overdose trends has not been evaluated. METHODS Among 58 Massachusetts municipalities with post-overdose outreach programs, we examined associations between five domains of post-overdose outreach program characteristics (outreach contact rate, naloxone distribution, coercive practices, harm reduction activities, and social service provision or referral) and rates of fatal opioid overdoses and opioid-related emergency medical system responses (i.e., ambulance activations) per calendar quarter from 2013 to 2019 using segmented regression analyses with adjustment for municipal covariates and fixed effects. For both outcomes, each domain was modeled: a) individually, b) with other characteristics, and c) with other characteristics and municipal-level fixed effects. RESULTS There were no significant associations (p < 0.05) between outreach contact rate, naloxone distribution, coercive practices, or harm reduction activities with municipal fatal overdose trends. Municipalities with programs providing or referring to more social services experienced 21% fewer fatal overdoses compared to programs providing or referring to more social services (Rate Ratio (RR) 0.79, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.66-0.93, p = 0.01). Compared to municipalities in quarters when programs had no outreach contacts, municipalities with some, but less than the median outreach contacts, experienced 14% lower opioid-related emergency responses (RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.78-0.96, p = 0.01). Associations between naloxone distribution, coercive practices, harm reduction practices, or social services and opioid-related emergency responses were not consistently significant across modeling approaches. CONCLUSION Municipalities with post-overdose outreach programs providing or referring to more social services had lower fatal opioid overdose rates. Municipalities in quarters when programs outreached to overdose survivors had fewer opioid-related emergency responses, but only among programs with below the median number of outreach contacts. Social service linkage should be core to post-overdose programs. Evaluations should assess program characteristics to optimize program design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simeon D Kimmel
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, 801 Massachusetts Ave, Crosstown Building - 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02118, United States; Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, 801 Massachusetts Ave, Crosstown Building - 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02118, United States.
| | - Ziming Xuan
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health, 801 Massachusetts Ave, Crosstown Building - 4th Floor, Boston, MA 02118, United States
| | - Shapei Yan
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, 801 Massachusetts Ave, Crosstown Building - 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02118, United States
| | - Audrey M Lambert
- AHOPE, Department of Recovery Services, Boston Public Health Commission, 774 Albany St, Boston, MA 02118, United States
| | - Scott W Formica
- Social Science Research and Evaluation, Inc, 84 Mill Street, Lincoln, MA 01773, United States
| | - Traci C Green
- Institute for Behavioral Health, The Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University, 415 South Street MS 035, Waltham, MA 024537, United States; Department of Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, 222 Richmond St., Providence, RI 02903, United States; COBRE on Opioids and Overdose at Rhode Island Hospital, 1125 North Main St., Providence, RI 02904, United States
| | - Jennifer J Carroll
- Department of Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, 222 Richmond St., Providence, RI 02903, United States; Department of Sociology and Anthropology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Sarah M Bagley
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, 801 Massachusetts Ave, Crosstown Building - 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02118, United States; Division of General Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, 801 Albany St, Boston, MA 02118, United States
| | - David Rosenbloom
- Department of Health, Law, Policy and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, 348W, 715 Albany Street, Boston, MA 02118, United States
| | - Leo Beletsky
- Northeastern University School of Law, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, and The Action Lab, 416 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, United States; Division of Global Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, 9500 Gillman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States
| | - Alexander Y Walley
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, 801 Massachusetts Ave, Crosstown Building - 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02118, United States
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23
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Sreckovic MA, Kenney CK, Wallace M. Autism Training for Law Enforcement Officers: A Scoping Review. J Autism Dev Disord 2023; 53:3835-3846. [PMID: 35925431 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05692-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
Law enforcement officers are the primary individuals called and who respond to situations of heightened concern. They make split-second observations and decisions based on how best to react to given safety situations and those involved. Characteristics of autism spectrum disorders (ASD), if not properly understood and reacted to, may quickly escalate a law enforcement officer call in a negative way, making autism training for law enforcement officers imperative. To ascertain what is known about autism training for law enforcement officers, a scoping review was conducted. Five studies met final inclusion criteria. The trainees, context and development of the training, evaluation procedures, and training outcomes are synthesized to provide guidance for future training implementation teams. Areas for future research are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa A Sreckovic
- University of Michigan-Flint, 303 E. Kearsley St., 430 French Hall, Flint, MI, USA.
| | - Christine K Kenney
- University of Michigan-Flint, 303 E. Kearsley St., 430 French Hall, Flint, MI, USA
| | - Matthew Wallace
- University of Michigan-Flint, 303 E. Kearsley St., 430 French Hall, Flint, MI, USA
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24
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Donachie D, Ewann F, Poudevigne F. Animal Agrocrime: An Overlooked Biological Threat. Health Secur 2023; 21:415-420. [PMID: 37527212 PMCID: PMC10541920 DOI: 10.1089/hs.2022.0144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Donachie
- Daniel Donachie, BVMS, MRCVS, is Programme Manager – Emergency Management, Preparedness and Resilience Department, World Organisation for Animal Health, Paris, France
| | - Fanny Ewann
- Fanny Ewann, PhD, is a Specialized Officer, Bioterrorism Prevention Unit, CBRNE & Vulnerable Target Sub-Directorate, International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), Lyon, France
| | - Frédéric Poudevigne
- Frédéric Poudevigne, DMV, MSc, is an Emergency Management Specialist, Emergency Management Center, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome, Italy
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Strömmer EMF, Leith W, Zeegers MP, Freeman MD. Injuries Due to Law Enforcement Use of Force in the United States, 2006-2015: Trends in Severity and by Race. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2023:10.1007/s40615-023-01733-z. [PMID: 37552423 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-023-01733-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of the study was to assess incidence and severity of hospital reported injuries related to law enforcement Use of Force (UoF) in the US over time, and by race. METHODS Data from the National Emergency Department Sample from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project and the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS-AIP) from US Consumer Product Safety Commission were queried to identify UoF injuries. Regression analysis, t-tests, and chi-square tests were used in the analysis. RESULTS Between 2006-15, there were 529,259 emergency department admissions for UoF injury in the NEDS, and 870,779 admissions in the NEISS-AIP. In a model adjusting for year, sex, and age, the Injury Severity Score increased by 1.1% annually (p<0.0001). Black people were 6 times as likely to be admitted to the ED as White people or Native Americans/Alaska Natives, and 25 times as likely as Asians/Pacific Islanders. Black patients were 4 times as likely as White patients to be admitted as inpatients. Per arrest rate by race using FBI uniform crime reporting data, Black arrestees were 2.5-3.1 times as likely as any other race to be hospitalized for UoF injury. CONCLUSION The results of the study demonstrate that US law enforcement are injuring civilians more frequently and severely over time, and that Black people are disproportionately affected.
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Affiliation(s)
- E M F Strömmer
- CAPHRI School for Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Health, Medicine, and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands.
| | - Wendy Leith
- CAPHRI School for Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Health, Medicine, and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Maurice P Zeegers
- CAPHRI School for Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Health, Medicine, and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Michael D Freeman
- CAPHRI School for Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Health, Medicine, and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
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Pettus C, Fulmer R, Pederson SD, Eikenberry J. Study protocol paper for the multi-site feasibility evaluation of mobile and technology-assisted aftercare services for crisis stabilization units. Pilot Feasibility Stud 2023; 9:135. [PMID: 37525253 PMCID: PMC10388447 DOI: 10.1186/s40814-023-01361-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Law enforcement frequently responds to substance abuse and mental health crises. Crisis stabilization units (CSUs) operate as a public-receiving facility to provide short-term stabilization services for individuals experiencing these crises and offer law enforcement an important alternative to arrest. However, there is limited understanding about how and when law enforcement decides to use CSUs. There is also the challenge of retaining individuals in treatment after CSU stabilization to prevent future crises and persistent engagement with police. This study will respond to these gaps by exploring CSU procedures and examining the feasibility and acceptability of a technology-assisted mobile aftercare intervention designed for individuals brought to a CSU by law enforcement. METHODS This study will consist of three aims. Aim 1 will include qualitative interviews with law enforcement and CSU-affiliated mental health staff (n=80) regarding CSU utilization and collaboration logistics between the groups. Findings from Aim 1 will be synthesized for the development of an implementation guide of our intervention, mobile, and technology-assisted aftercare, designed for individuals brought to a CSU by law enforcement, during Aim 2. During Aim 2, intervention services will be pilot-tested for 6 months through a small sample (n=24), randomized control trial (RCT). Control participants will receive standard services available for individuals discharging from a CSU. Treatment participants will receive the mobile aftercare intervention. Qualitative and quantitative data will be collected at 2 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months post-recruitment for all study participants. Aims 1 and 2 will inform the design of a multi-site RCT to compare CSUs with and without mobile and technology-assisted aftercare (Aim 3). DISCUSSION The study will offer decision making and procedural insight into law enforcement use of CSUs as an alternative to jail and provide opportunities to inform that process. This research will provide outcome trends for those who go through standard CSU services compared to those who receive mobile and technology-assisted aftercare services. The current study will inform a larger RCT efficacy study of CSUs with and without technology-assisted aftercare services. TRIAL REGISTRATION This study was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (reference #NCT04899934) on May 25, 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carrie Pettus
- Wellbeing and Equity Innovations, PO Box 14641, Tallahassee, FL, 32317, USA.
| | - Rachel Fulmer
- Wellbeing and Equity Innovations, PO Box 14641, Tallahassee, FL, 32317, USA
| | - Shelby D Pederson
- Institute for Justice Research and Development, Florida State University, 2010 Levy Ave, Suite 3400, Tallahassee, FL, 32310, USA
| | - Jacob Eikenberry
- Colorado Mesa University, 1100 North Avenue, Grand Junction, CO, 81501-3122, USA
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Rupani MP. Challenges and opportunities for silicosis prevention and control: need for a national health program on silicosis in India. J Occup Med Toxicol 2023; 18:11. [PMID: 37434229 DOI: 10.1186/s12995-023-00379-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Silicosis has been one of the most serious occupational public health problems worldwide for many decades. The global burden of silicosis is largely unknown, although it is thought to be more prevalent in low and medium-income countries. Individual studies among workers exposed to silica dust in various industries, however, reveal a high prevalence of silicosis in India. This paper is an updated review of the novel challenges and opportunities for silicosis prevention and control in India. MAIN BODY The unregulated informal sector employs workers on contractual appointment thereby insulating the employers from legislative provisions. Due to a lack of awareness of the serious health risks and low-income levels, symptomatic workers tend to disregard the symptoms and continue working in dusty environments. To prevent any future dust exposure, the workers must be moved to an alternative job in the same factory where they will not be exposed to silica dust. Government regulatory bodies, on the other hand, must guarantee that factory owners relocate workers to another vocation as soon as they exhibit signs of silicosis. Technological advances such as artificial intelligence and machine learning might assist industries in implementing effective and cost-saving dust control measures. A surveillance system needs to be established for the early detection and tracking of all patients with silicosis. A pneumoconiosis elimination program encompassing health promotion, personal protection, diagnostic criteria, preventive measures, symptomatic management, prevention of silica dust exposure, treatment, and rehabilitation is felt important for wider adoption. CONCLUSION Silica dust exposure and its consequences are fully preventable, with the benefits of prevention considerably outweighing the benefits of treating patients with silicosis. A comprehensive national health program on silicosis within the public health system would strengthen surveillance, notification, and management of workers exposed to silica dust in India.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihir P Rupani
- Clinical Epidemiology (Division of Health Sciences), ICMR - National Institute of Occupational Health (NIOH), Indian Council of Medical Research, Meghaninagar, Ahmedabad city, 380016, Gujarat, India.
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Pamplin JR, King C, Cooper C, Bennett AS, Elliott L, Davis CS, Rouhani S, Townsend TN. Pathways to racial disparities in the effects of Good Samaritan Laws: A mixed methods pilot study. Drug Alcohol Depend 2023; 249:110823. [PMID: 37336006 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2023.110823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Drug overdose deaths continue to rise, and considerable racial inequities have emerged. Overdose Good Samaritan laws (GSLs) are intended to encourage overdose witnesses to seek emergency assistance. However, evidence of their effectiveness is mixed, and little is known regarding racial disparities in their implementation. This study examined GSL impact by assessing racial differences in awareness of and trust in New York state's GSL. METHODS Using a sequential mixed methods design, Black and white participants were recruited from an existing longitudinal cohort study of people who use illicit opioids in New York City to participate in a quantitative survey and qualitative interviews. Racially stratified survey responses were analyzed using chi-squared tests, Fisher exact tests, or t-tests. Qualitative interviews were analyzed using a hybrid inductive-deductive approach. RESULTS Participants (n=128) were 56% male and predominantly aged 50 years or older. Most met criteria for severe opioid use disorder (81%). Fifty-seven percent reported that the New York GSL makes them more likely to call 911 even though 42% reported not trusting law enforcement to abide by the GSL; neither differed by race. Black people were less likely to have heard of the GSL (36.1% vs 60%) and were less likely to have accurate information regarding its protections (40.4% vs 49.6%). CONCLUSIONS Though GSLs may reduce negative impacts of the criminalization of people who use drugs, their implementation may exacerbate existing racial disparities. Resources should be directed towards harm reduction strategies that do not rely on trust in law enforcement.
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Affiliation(s)
- John R Pamplin
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States; Center for Opioid Epidemiology and Policy, Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States.
| | - Carla King
- Center for Opioid Epidemiology and Policy, Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States; Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States; Center for Drug Use and HIV Research (CDUHR), School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Claire Cooper
- Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Alex S Bennett
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY, United States; Center for Drug Use and HIV Research (CDUHR), School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY, United States; Center for Anti-racism, Social Justice & Public Health, School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Luther Elliott
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY, United States; Center for Drug Use and HIV Research (CDUHR), School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Corey S Davis
- Center for Opioid Epidemiology and Policy, Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States; Network for Public Health Law, Edina, MN, United States
| | - Saba Rouhani
- Center for Drug Use and HIV Research (CDUHR), School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY, United States; Center for Anti-racism, Social Justice & Public Health, School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY, United States; Department of Epidemiology, School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Tarlise N Townsend
- Center for Opioid Epidemiology and Policy, Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States; Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York University, New York, NY, United States
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Carson LM, Marsh SM, Brown MM, Elkins KL, Tiesman HM. An analysis of suicides among first responders ─ Findings from the National Violent Death Reporting System, 2015-2017. J Safety Res 2023; 85:361-370. [PMID: 37330885 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsr.2023.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION First responders, including law enforcement officers (LEOs), firefighters, emergency medical services (EMS) clinicians, and public safety telecommunicators, face unique occupational stressors and may be at elevated risk for suicide. This study characterized suicides among first responders and identifies potential opportunities for additional data collection. METHODS Using suicides identified from the three most recent years of National Violent Death Reporting System data with industry and occupation codes from the NIOSH Industry and Occupation Computerized Coding System (2015-2017), decedents were categorized as first responders or non-first responders based on usual occupation. Chi-square tests were used to evaluate differences in sociodemographic and suicide circumstances between first and non-first responders. RESULTS First responder decedents made up 1% of all suicides. Over half of first responders (58%) were LEOs, 21% were firefighters, 18% were EMS clinicians, and 2% were public safety telecommunicators. Compared to non-first responder decedents, more first responders served in the military (23% vs. 11%) and used a firearm as the method of injury (69% vs. 44%). Among first responder decedents for whom circumstances were known, intimate partner problems, job problems, and physical health problems were most frequent. Some common risk factors for suicide (history of suicidal thoughts, previous suicide attempt, alcohol/substance abuse problem) were significantly lower among first responders. Selected sociodemographics and characteristics were compared across first responder occupations. Compared to firefighters and EMS clinicians, LEO decedents had slightly lower percentages of depressed mood, mental health problems, history of suicidal thoughts, and history of suicide attempts. CONCLUSIONS While this analysis provides a small glimpse into some of these stressors, more detailed research may help inform future suicide prevention efforts and interventions. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Understanding stressors and their relation to suicide and suicidal behaviors can facilitate suicide prevention among this critical workforce.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leslie M Carson
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Office of Impaired Driving and Occupant Protection, Impaired Driving Division, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Suzanne M Marsh
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Division of Safety Research, Surveillance and Field Investigations Branch, Morgantown, WV, USA.
| | - Margaret M Brown
- National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Division of Injury Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Katherine L Elkins
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Office of Emergency Medical Services, EMS and National 911 Programs, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Hope M Tiesman
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Division of Safety Research, Analysis and Field Evaluations Branch, Morgantown, WV, USA
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Gallen K, Sonnenberg J, Loughran C, Smith MJ, Sheppard M, Schuster K, Kaufman E, Song JS, Hall EC. Health Effects of Policing in Hospitals: a Narrative Review. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2023; 10:870-882. [PMID: 35267188 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-022-01275-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Law enforcement activity, in the form of outside agencies or hospital security forces, is increasingly common in American healthcare. Little is known about the potential effects of this prevalent, modifiable exposure on hospital staff and patient health. This narrative review characterizes existing evidence on the direct and indirect health effects of law enforcement activity in hospitals. OBSERVATIONS Law enforcement activity in hospitals can affect health outcomes through four mechanisms: (1) physical health effects related to workplace violence, restraint use, excessive force, and weapon use; (2) mental health effects involving perceptions of safety and psychological distress; (3) social effects related to the patient-provider relationship, mistrust, and bias and discrimination; and (4) legal and ethical considerations affecting overall well-being. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Unchecked law enforcement activity in hospitals may risk patient physical and mental health, reduce patient trust, result in bias and discrimination, and contribute to legal and ethical rights violations. Importantly, law enforcement activity in hospitals may also contribute to staff perceptions of safety. To fill knowledge gaps on the measurable impact of law enforcement activity in the hospital on staff and patients, hospitals should collect and publicly share robust data on law enforcement activity in their facilities, create and adopt patient-centered policies to ensure safety and protect patient health and privacy, and implement evidence-based interventions that safely reduce law enforcement involvement with patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Gallen
- Division of Trauma, Department of Surgery, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Jake Sonnenberg
- University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Mildred Sheppard
- Community Violence Intervention Program, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC, 20010, USA
| | - Kirsten Schuster
- Division of Trauma, Department of Surgery, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Elinore Kaufman
- Division of Traumatology, Surgical Critical Care, and Emergency Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ji Seon Song
- School of Law, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Erin C Hall
- Division of Trauma, Department of Surgery, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA.
- Community Violence Intervention Program, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC, 20010, USA.
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Lloyd D, Rowe K, Leung SYJ, Pourtaher E, Gelberg K. "It's just another tool on my toolbelt": New York state law enforcement officer experiences administering naloxone. Harm Reduct J 2023; 20:29. [PMID: 36879248 PMCID: PMC9987370 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-023-00748-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although naloxone is widely acknowledged as a life-saving intervention and a critical tool for first responders, there remains a need to explore how law enforcement officers have adapted to a shifting scope of work. Past research has focused mainly on officer training, their abilities to administer naloxone, and to a lesser extent on their experiences and interactions working with people who use drugs (PWUD). METHODS A qualitative approach was used to explore officer perspectives and behaviors surrounding responses to incidents of suspected opioid overdose. Between the months of March and September 2017, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 38 officers from 17 counties across New York state (NYS). RESULTS Analysis of in-depth interviews revealed that officers generally considered the additional responsibility of administering naloxone to have become "part of the job". Many officers reported feeling as though they are expected to wear multiple hats, functioning as both law enforcement and medical personnel and at times juggling contradictory roles. Evolving views on drugs and drug use defined many interviews, as well as the recognition that a punitive approach to working with PWUD is not the solution, emphasizing the need for cohesive, community-wide support strategies. Notable differences in attitudes toward PWUD appeared to be influenced by an officer's connection to someone who uses drugs and/or due to a background in emergency medical services. CONCLUSION Law enforcement officers in NYS are emerging as an integral part of the continuum of care for PWUD. Our findings are capturing a time of transition as more traditional approaches to law enforcement appear to be shifting toward those prioritizing prevention and diversion. Widespread adoption of naloxone administration by law enforcement officers in NYS is a powerful example of the successful integration of a public health intervention into police work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Lloyd
- Office of Program Evaluation and Research, New York State Department of Health, AIDS Institute, Corning Tower, Room 342, Albany, NY, 12237, USA. .,, Vermont, USA.
| | - Kirsten Rowe
- Office of Program Evaluation and Research, New York State Department of Health, AIDS Institute, Corning Tower, Room 342, Albany, NY, 12237, USA
| | - Shu-Yin John Leung
- Office of Program Evaluation and Research, New York State Department of Health, AIDS Institute, Corning Tower, Room 342, Albany, NY, 12237, USA
| | - Elham Pourtaher
- Office of Program Evaluation and Research, New York State Department of Health, AIDS Institute, Corning Tower, Room 342, Albany, NY, 12237, USA
| | - Kitty Gelberg
- Office of Drug User Health, New York State Department of Health, AIDS Institute, Corning Tower, Room 474, Albany, NY, 12237, USA
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Merrick N, Hart NH, Mosler AB, Allen G, Murphy MC. Injury Profiles of Police Recruits Undergoing Basic Physical Training: A Prospective Cohort Study. J Occup Rehabil 2023; 33:170-178. [PMID: 35917080 PMCID: PMC10025230 DOI: 10.1007/s10926-022-10059-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Purpose A lack of published epidemiological data among police recruits presents a major challenge when designing appropriate prevention programs to reduce injury burden. We aimed to report the injury epidemiology of Western Australian (WA) Police Force recruits and examine sex and age as injury risk factors. Methods Retrospective analyses were conducted of prospectively collected injury data from WA Police Force recruits between 2018-2021. Injury was defined as 'time-loss' and injury incidence rate per 1000 training days (Poisson exact 95% confidence intervals) was calculated. For each region and type of injury, the incidence, severity, and burden were calculated. The association between age, sex, and injury occurrence were assessed using Cox regression time-to-event analysis. Results A total of 1316 WA Police Force recruits were included, of whom 264 recruits sustained 304 injuries. Injury prevalence was 20.1% and the incidence rate was 2.00 (95%CI 1.78-2.24) injuries per 1000 training days. Lower limb injuries accounted for most of the injury burden. Ligament/ joint injuries had the highest injury tissue/pathology burden. The most common activity injuring recruits was physical training (31.8% of all injuries). Older age (Hazard Ratio = 1.5, 95%CI = 1.2 to 1.9, p = 0.002) and female sex (Hazard Ratio = 1.4, 95%CI = 1.3 to 1.6, p < 0.001) increased risk of injury. Conclusion Prevention programs targeting muscle/tendon and ligament/joint injuries to the lower limb and shoulder should be prioritised to reduce the WA Police Force injury burden. Injury prevention programs should also prioritise recruits who are over 30 years of age or of female sex, given they are a higher risk population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Merrick
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Nicolas H Hart
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
- Caring Futures Institute, College of Nursing and Health Science, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Institute for Health Research, The University of Notre Dame Australia, Fremantle, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Andrea B Mosler
- La Trobe Sport and Exercise Medicine Research Centre, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Garth Allen
- Western Australian Police Academy, Western Australian Police Force, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Myles C Murphy
- Nutrition and Health Innovation Research Institute, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia.
- School of Health Sciences and Physiotherapy, The University of Notre Dame Australia, Fremantle, Western Australia, Australia.
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Gallen KM, Smith MJ, Crane J, Loughran C, Schuster K, Sonnenberg J, Reese M, Girard VW, Song JS, Hall EC. Law Enforcement and Patient Privacy Among Survivors of Violence: A Nationwide Mixed-Methods Study. J Surg Res 2023; 283:648-657. [PMID: 36455418 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2022.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION During the emergent treatment of violently injured patients, law enforcement (LE) officers and health care providers frequently interact. Both have duties to protect patient health, rights, and public health, however, the balance of these duties may feel at odds. The purpose of this study is to assess hospital-based violence intervention program (HVIP) representatives' experiences with LE officers among survivors of violence and the impact of hospital policies on interactions with LE officers. MATERIALS AND METHODS A nationwide survey was distributed to the 35 HVIPs that form the Health Alliance for Violence Intervention. Data regarding respondent affiliation, programs, and perceptions of hospital policies outlining LE activity were collected. Follow-up video interviews were open coded and qualitatively analyzed using grounded theory. RESULTS Respondents from 32 HVIPs completed the survey (91%), and 22 interviews (63%) were conducted. Common themes from interviews were: police-patient interactions; racism, bias, and victims' treatment as suspects; and training and education. Only 39% of respondents knew that policies existed and were familiar with them. Most representatives believed their hospitals' existing policies were inadequate, ineffective, or biased. Programs that reported good working relationships with LE officers offered insight on how their programs maintain these partnerships and work with LE officers towards a common goal. CONCLUSIONS Unclear or inadequate policies relating to LE activity may jeopardize the health and privacy of violently injured patients. Primary areas identified for improvement include clarifying and revising hospital policies, education of staff and LE officers, and improved communication between health care providers and LE officers to better protect patient rights.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate M Gallen
- Department of Surgery, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Michael J Smith
- Georgetown University Law Center, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Joshua Crane
- Department of Surgery, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Carly Loughran
- Georgetown University Law Center, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Kirsten Schuster
- Department of Surgery, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Jake Sonnenberg
- University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, California
| | - Mildred Reese
- Community Violence Intervention Program, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Vicki W Girard
- Georgetown University Law Center, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Ji Seon Song
- University of California, Irvine School of Law, Irvine, California
| | - Erin C Hall
- Department of Surgery, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, District of Columbia; Community Violence Intervention Program, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, District of Columbia.
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Ray B, Richardson NJ, Attaway PR, Smiley-McDonald HM, Davidson P, Kral AH. A national survey of law enforcement post-overdose response efforts. Am J Drug Alcohol Abuse 2023; 49:199-205. [PMID: 36820614 DOI: 10.1080/00952990.2023.2169615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Background: Law enforcement agencies in the US have provided naloxone to officers and developed initiatives to follow-up after a non-fatal overdose. However, the prevalence and characteristics of these efforts have yet to be documented in research literature.Objectives: We sought to understand the national prevalence of naloxone provision among law enforcement and examine the implementation of post-overdose follow-up.Methods: We administered a survey on drug overdose response initiatives using a multimodal approach (online and mail) to a nationally representative sample of law enforcement agencies (N = 2,009; 50.1% response rate) drawn from the National Directory of Law Enforcement Administrators database. We further examine a subsample of agencies (N = 1,514) that equipped officers with naloxone who were also asked about post-overdose follow-up.Results: We found 81.7% of agencies reported officers were equipped with naloxone; among these, approximately one-third (30.3%) reported follow-up after an overdose. More than half (56.8%) of agencies indicated partnership in follow-up with emergency medical services as the most common partner (68.8%). There were 21.4% of agencies with a Quick Response Team, a popular national post-overdose model, and were more likely to indicate partnership with a substance use disorder treatment provider than when agencies were asked generally about partners in follow-up (74.5% and 26.2% respectively).Conclusion: Many law enforcement agencies across the US have equipped officers with naloxone, and about one-third of those are conducting follow-up to non-fatal overdose events. Post-overdose follow-up models and practices vary in ways that can influence treatment engagement and minimize harms against persons who use drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradley Ray
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | | | | | | | - Pete Davidson
- Department of Medicine, Division Global Public Health, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
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Liasidis P, Lewis M, Jakob DA, Inaba K, Demetriades D. Manhandling injuries during legal interventions. Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg 2023. [PMID: 36786876 DOI: 10.1007/s00068-023-02241-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Data concerning injuries resulting from physical force during legal interventions are scarce. The purpose of this study was to examine manhandling injuries occurring in both civilian suspects and law enforcement officials (LEO). METHODS Retrospective cross-sectional study using data from the National Trauma Data Bank. All patients who sustained manhandling injuries during legal interventions were identified using ICD-10 e-codes. The study groups were injured civilian suspects and LEO. The primary outcomes were type and severity of injuries among the groups. RESULTS A total of 507 patients were included in the study, 426 (84.0%) civilians and 81 (16.0%) LEO. Overall, median age was 37 years (IQR: 28-48) and 90.3% were male. The median ISS was higher in civilians compared to LEO (5 [4-10] vs 4 [4-9], p = 0.023). Civilians were more likely to sustain injuries to the face (49.8% vs 35.9%, p = 0.024) and abdomen (8.3% vs 1.3%, p = 0.028). LEO were more likely to sustain tibia/fibula fractures (3.5% vs 9.9%, p = 0.019). The mortality was 1.2% (5/426) in civilians and there were no deaths in LEO. The overall complication rates and hospital length of stay were similar between the groups. CONCLUSION Injury patterns and severity of injuries sustained from the use of physical force during legal interventions are different in civilians and law enforcement officials. Further research and more comprehensive data are warranted to better understand and prevent these injuries.
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Bailey A, Harrington C, Evans EA. A scoping review of community-based post-opioid overdose intervention programs: implications of program structure and outcomes. Health Justice 2023; 11:3. [PMID: 36707446 PMCID: PMC9883127 DOI: 10.1186/s40352-022-00201-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An emergent intervention to address the opioid epidemic is the use of multidisciplinary outreach teams which connect an individual in the community to healthcare resources after the experience of an opioid overdose. While these interventions are receiving federal funding, less is known empirically to inform future interventions. Understanding the process and outcomes of these interventions is advisable due to the novel partnerships of public health and law enforcement agencies who sometimes hold divergent goals. The objective of the present review was to describe program structure and evaluated outcomes of community-based post-overdose interventions. RESULTS A search of PubMed, PsycInfo, and Web of Science yielded 5 peer-reviewed articles that detail the implementation and outcomes of interventions delivered in the United States published from 2001 to July 2021. Most interventions used a multidisciplinary outreach team and referenced first responder data to contact individuals who recently experienced an overdose at their residence. Services offered often included referral to substance use treatment, recovery coaches, and social services. Method of outreach, evaluation measures, and outcomes varied. From the available literature, facilitators of program engagement included communication, information sharing, and leadership buy-in among multidisciplinary partners. CONCLUSIONS Future studies could benefit from exploration of service provision in rural areas, for family affected by overdose, and for minoritized populations. Community-based post-overdose interventions utilizing a law enforcement partnership are emergent with promising yet limited examples in empirical literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelia Bailey
- Department of Health Promotion and Policy, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003 USA
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912 USA
| | - Calla Harrington
- Department of Health Promotion and Policy, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003 USA
| | - Elizabeth A. Evans
- Department of Health Promotion and Policy, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003 USA
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Kotzé J, Lloyd A, Antonopoulos GA. COVID-19 and organized crime: an introduction to the special issue. Trends Organ Crime 2023; 26:107-113. [PMID: 36721627 PMCID: PMC9880361 DOI: 10.1007/s12117-023-09485-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
This is an introduction to the articles submitted to the special issue of Trends in Organized Crime on 'COVID-19 and Organized Crime'. The aim of the special issue is to draw together a range of empirical studies from around the world to explore the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic for both organized criminals and law enforcement agencies. The pandemic required organized criminals to adapt their practice in light of government restrictions, but it also created new profitable opportunities. At the same time, however, COVID-19 posed significant challenges for law enforcement.
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Compton MT, Zern A, Pope LG, Gesser N, Stagoff-Belfort A, Tan de Bibiana J, Watson AC, Wood J, Smith TE. Misdemeanor Charges Among Individuals With Serious Mental Illnesses: A Statewide Analysis of More Than Two Million Arrests. Psychiatr Serv 2023; 74:31-37. [PMID: 35795979 DOI: 10.1176/appi.ps.202000936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Reducing the overrepresentation of individuals with serious mental illnesses in the criminal legal system requires a better understanding of the charges for which they are most commonly arrested. This study aimed to compare violent offenses, penal code classifications, Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) codes, and specific charges in arrests among individuals with and individuals without serious mental illnesses. METHODS The authors analyzed all arrests (N=2,224,847) in New York State during 2010-2013. Medicaid data and the state mental health authority's records were used to create an indicator of serious mental illness for each arrest. RESULTS Among arrests involving individuals with the serious mental illness indicator (N=91,363), 7.3% were for violent offenses, compared with 7.6% of arrests involving individuals without the indicator. Among 10 penal code classifications, class B felonies and class A misdemeanors were more likely in arrests among those with the indicator than among those without it. Of the 14 UCR codes examined, seven were more common in arrests with the serious mental illness indicator. Criminal trespass was among the most common charges in arrests involving individuals with the indicator. CONCLUSIONS Most arrests involving people with serious mental illnesses were for misdemeanors, specifically class A misdemeanors, and this class comprised a larger proportion of arrests for those with the indicator than of arrests for those without it. New approaches are needed to address the situations-usually related to socioeconomic disadvantage-that result in individuals with mental illnesses receiving misdemeanor charges and cycling through the criminal legal system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael T Compton
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York City (Compton, Zern, Pope, Smith); New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York City (Compton, Pope); Department of Psychology, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks (Gesser); Vera Institute of Justice, New York City (Stagoff-Belfort, Tan de Bibiana); Helen Bader School of Social Welfare, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee (Watson); Department of Criminal Justice, Temple University, Philadelphia (Wood); New York State Office of Mental Health, Albany (Smith)
| | - Adria Zern
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York City (Compton, Zern, Pope, Smith); New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York City (Compton, Pope); Department of Psychology, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks (Gesser); Vera Institute of Justice, New York City (Stagoff-Belfort, Tan de Bibiana); Helen Bader School of Social Welfare, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee (Watson); Department of Criminal Justice, Temple University, Philadelphia (Wood); New York State Office of Mental Health, Albany (Smith)
| | - Leah G Pope
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York City (Compton, Zern, Pope, Smith); New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York City (Compton, Pope); Department of Psychology, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks (Gesser); Vera Institute of Justice, New York City (Stagoff-Belfort, Tan de Bibiana); Helen Bader School of Social Welfare, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee (Watson); Department of Criminal Justice, Temple University, Philadelphia (Wood); New York State Office of Mental Health, Albany (Smith)
| | - Nili Gesser
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York City (Compton, Zern, Pope, Smith); New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York City (Compton, Pope); Department of Psychology, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks (Gesser); Vera Institute of Justice, New York City (Stagoff-Belfort, Tan de Bibiana); Helen Bader School of Social Welfare, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee (Watson); Department of Criminal Justice, Temple University, Philadelphia (Wood); New York State Office of Mental Health, Albany (Smith)
| | - Aaron Stagoff-Belfort
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York City (Compton, Zern, Pope, Smith); New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York City (Compton, Pope); Department of Psychology, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks (Gesser); Vera Institute of Justice, New York City (Stagoff-Belfort, Tan de Bibiana); Helen Bader School of Social Welfare, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee (Watson); Department of Criminal Justice, Temple University, Philadelphia (Wood); New York State Office of Mental Health, Albany (Smith)
| | - Jason Tan de Bibiana
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York City (Compton, Zern, Pope, Smith); New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York City (Compton, Pope); Department of Psychology, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks (Gesser); Vera Institute of Justice, New York City (Stagoff-Belfort, Tan de Bibiana); Helen Bader School of Social Welfare, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee (Watson); Department of Criminal Justice, Temple University, Philadelphia (Wood); New York State Office of Mental Health, Albany (Smith)
| | - Amy C Watson
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York City (Compton, Zern, Pope, Smith); New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York City (Compton, Pope); Department of Psychology, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks (Gesser); Vera Institute of Justice, New York City (Stagoff-Belfort, Tan de Bibiana); Helen Bader School of Social Welfare, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee (Watson); Department of Criminal Justice, Temple University, Philadelphia (Wood); New York State Office of Mental Health, Albany (Smith)
| | - Jennifer Wood
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York City (Compton, Zern, Pope, Smith); New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York City (Compton, Pope); Department of Psychology, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks (Gesser); Vera Institute of Justice, New York City (Stagoff-Belfort, Tan de Bibiana); Helen Bader School of Social Welfare, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee (Watson); Department of Criminal Justice, Temple University, Philadelphia (Wood); New York State Office of Mental Health, Albany (Smith)
| | - Thomas E Smith
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York City (Compton, Zern, Pope, Smith); New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York City (Compton, Pope); Department of Psychology, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks (Gesser); Vera Institute of Justice, New York City (Stagoff-Belfort, Tan de Bibiana); Helen Bader School of Social Welfare, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee (Watson); Department of Criminal Justice, Temple University, Philadelphia (Wood); New York State Office of Mental Health, Albany (Smith)
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Scholz N, Lenk KM, Erickson DJ, Toomey TL, Jones-Webb R, Nelson TF. Alcohol-impaired driving enforcement priorities and strategies in a nationwide sample of U.S. law enforcement agencies. Traffic Inj Prev 2022; 24:1-6. [PMID: 36480231 PMCID: PMC9850454 DOI: 10.1080/15389588.2022.2150049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Excessive alcohol consumption leads to a range of public health problems and social and financial burdens. Traffic crashes resulting from alcohol-involved driving are a major contributor to the overall health consequences of alcohol. Various laws and enforcement strategies aim to prevent alcohol-involved driving. The extent to which law enforcement agencies prioritize enforcement of alcohol-impaired driving laws can help to reduce alcohol-impaired driving. Among law enforcement agencies in the US, we examined prioritization of alcohol-impaired driving enforcement and how it is associated with use of specific enforcement strategies, as well as agency and community characteristics. METHODS We conducted a survey of a national sample of 1,024 US police and sheriff agencies in 2019. We assessed prioritization of alcohol-impaired driving enforcement, use of specific enforcement strategies (saturation patrols, sobriety checkpoints, open container law enforcement, training field officers to identify driving impairment), and agency and jurisdiction characteristics. We assessed how priority of enforcement (high vs. low) was associated with use of specific strategies, and agency and jurisdiction characteristics using regression models that accounted for agencies nesting within states. RESULTS A majority of agencies (68%) placed a high priority on alcohol-impaired driving enforcement. Almost all agencies (93%) reported performing at least one alcohol-impaired driving enforcement strategy and the most common strategy used was saturation patrols. Agencies that prioritized alcohol-impaired driving enforcement were more likely to use sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols, conduct enforcement of open container laws and train field officers in identifying driving impairment (p < 0.05). They were also more likely to have an officer assigned primarily to alcohol enforcement, have an alcohol division, and serve jurisdictions that had fewer Black residents (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Many law enforcement agencies utilize strategies to address alcohol-impaired driving, however, some strategies are underutilized and an opportunity exists for agencies to incorporate additional strategies to help prevent alcohol-impaired driving. Agencies that made alcohol-impaired driving enforcement a priority were more likely to conduct related enforcement strategies. Encouraging police and sheriff agencies to prioritize alcohol-impaired driving enforcement may be an effective approach for preventing alcohol-related harms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Scholz
- Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 1300 S. Second St. Suite 300, Minneapolis, MN 55454
| | - Kathleen M. Lenk
- Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 1300 S. Second St. Suite 300, Minneapolis, MN 55454
| | - Darin J. Erickson
- Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 1300 S. Second St. Suite 300, Minneapolis, MN 55454
| | - Traci L. Toomey
- Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 1300 S. Second St. Suite 300, Minneapolis, MN 55454
| | - Rhonda Jones-Webb
- Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 1300 S. Second St. Suite 300, Minneapolis, MN 55454
| | - Toben F. Nelson
- Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 1300 S. Second St. Suite 300, Minneapolis, MN 55454
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Gardner L, Cederberg C, Hangauer J, Campbell JM. Law enforcement officers' interactions with autistic individuals: Commonly reported incidents and use of force. Res Dev Disabil 2022; 131:104371. [PMID: 36356456 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2022.104371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Little research exists examining interactions between law enforcement officers (LEOs) and autistic individuals. The present study includes responses from 130 LEOs who participated in autism-specific training and completed surveys assessing professional experiences responding to calls that involved individuals with known autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis. The purpose of the present study was to determine the types of incidents LEOs respond to involving autistic people, and the level of force used in response to the incident. Analysis revealed four categories captured the majority of reported incidents: disruptive behavior, suspected abuse/neglect, elopement, and noncriminal behavior. The most commonly reported responses by LEOs included providing support and extreme controlling behaviors, with female officers more likely to report utilizing supportive behaviors and less force compared to male counterparts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Gardner
- Department of Psychology, Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, USA.
| | - Charles Cederberg
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, USA
| | - Jason Hangauer
- Department of Psychology, Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, USA
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Kühnl R, Aydin D, Horn S, Olderbak S, Verthein U, Kraus L. Taking the cat-and-mouse game to the next level: different perspectives on the introduction of the German New Psychoactive Substances Act. Harm Reduct J 2022; 19:122. [PMID: 36329471 PMCID: PMC9632031 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-022-00704-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To counteract the spread of new psychoactive substances (NPS) and to prevent the emergence of novel substances, specifically designed as a response to the legal control of individual substances, a new law was introduced in Germany in 2016: the New Psychoactive Substances Act (NpSG). The NpSG combines a generic approach with the waiver of criminal liability for the acquisition and possession of NPS for personal use, which is a novelty in German narcotics law. The present study aimed at exploring the impact of the introduction of the NpSG from three different perspectives-NPS users, staff of addiction care facilities, and members of law enforcement authorities-to better understand the dynamics surrounding such a change in legislation and to contribute to the body of international experience in dealing with NPS. METHODS Semi-structured narrative interviews were conducted with a total of 193 representatives of the three different groups affected by the law. These interviews included questions on perceived changes associated with the introduction of the NpSG as well as questions on opinions regarding legal and criminal policy issues. The analysis was carried out using qualitative content analysis according to Mayring. RESULTS Most interviewees welcomed the non-criminalisation approach of the NpSG but also noticed that, in practice, not much has changed for users. Nevertheless, the changes in legislation have had an impact on the market. For example, novel substances have emerged circumventing the new legislation. According to users, this has led some to reduce NPS use and others to adopt more hazardous consumption patterns. Overall, most respondents did not expect the introduction of the NpSG to bring any significant changes. CONCLUSIONS Although the idea of non-criminalisation inherent to the NpSG is appreciated and the generic approach has been well implemented in the law, thus covering a wide range of substances, the introduction of the law-perhaps for that very reason-has also had unintended and negative consequences, taking the cat-and-mouse game to the next level. To end the game, or at least to defuse the game situation, a combination of different strategies will be necessary, with legislation always playing a key role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Regina Kühnl
- IFT Institut für Therapieforschung, Leopoldstraße 175, 80804, Munich, Germany.,Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 47, 89069, Ulm, Germany
| | - Darya Aydin
- IFT Institut für Therapieforschung, Leopoldstraße 175, 80804, Munich, Germany
| | - Sabine Horn
- Unit III.5 Criminal Law, Criminal Procedural Law and Criminal Politics, German Police University, Zum Roten Berge 18-24, 48165, Muenster, Germany
| | - Sally Olderbak
- IFT Institut für Therapieforschung, Leopoldstraße 175, 80804, Munich, Germany.,Psychology Department, University of Arizona, 1503 E University Blvd., Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
| | - Uwe Verthein
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Centre of Interdisciplinary Addiction Research, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ludwig Kraus
- IFT Institut für Therapieforschung, Leopoldstraße 175, 80804, Munich, Germany. .,Department of Public Health Sciences, Centre for Social Research on Alcohol and Drugs, Stockholm University, 106 91, Stockholm, Sweden. .,Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Egyetem tér 1-3, 1053, Budapest, Hungary.
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Compton MT, Graves J, Zern A, Pauselli L, Anderson S, Ashekun O, Ellis S, Langlois S, Pope L, Watson AC, Wood J. Characterizing Arrests and Charges Among Individuals With Serious Mental Illnesses in Public-Sector Treatment Settings. Psychiatr Serv 2022; 73:1102-1108. [PMID: 35378991 DOI: 10.1176/appi.ps.202000581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Individuals with serious mental illnesses are overrepresented in all facets of the legal system. State-level criminal histories of patients with serious mental illnesses were analyzed to determine the proportion who had been arrested and number of lifetime arrests and charges, associations of six variables with number of arrests, and the most common charges from individuals’ first two arrests and most recent two arrests. METHODS A total of 240 patients were recruited at three inpatient psychiatric facilities and gave consent to access their criminal history. Information was extracted from Record of Arrest and Prosecution (RAP) sheets for lifetime arrests in Georgia. RESULTS A total of 171 (71%) had been arrested. Their mean±SD lifetime arrests were 8.6±10.1, and mean lifetime charges were 12.6±14.6. In a Poisson regression, number of arrests was associated with lower educational attainment, Black or African American race, the presence of a substance use disorder, the presence of a mood disorder, and female sex. Common early charges included marijuana possession, driving under the influence of alcohol, and burglary and shoplifting. Common recent charges included probation violations, failure to appear in court, officer obstruction–related charges, and disorderly conduct. CONCLUSIONS Findings point to a need for policy and program development in the legal system (e.g., pertaining to charges such as willful obstruction of an officer), the mental health community (e.g., to ensure that professionals know about clients’ legal involvement and can partner in strategies to reduce arrests), and social services sectors (to address charges, such as shoplifting, often related to material disadvantage).
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael T Compton
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York City (Compton, Zern, Pope); Gateway Behavioral Health Services, Savannah, Georgia (Graves, Anderson, Ellis); Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and St. Luke's/West Hospital Center, New York City (Pauselli); DeKalb Community Service Board, Atlanta (Ashekun, Langlois); Helen Bader School of Social Welfare, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee (Watson); Department of Criminal Justice, College of Liberal Arts, Temple University, Philadelphia (Wood)
| | - JaShala Graves
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York City (Compton, Zern, Pope); Gateway Behavioral Health Services, Savannah, Georgia (Graves, Anderson, Ellis); Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and St. Luke's/West Hospital Center, New York City (Pauselli); DeKalb Community Service Board, Atlanta (Ashekun, Langlois); Helen Bader School of Social Welfare, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee (Watson); Department of Criminal Justice, College of Liberal Arts, Temple University, Philadelphia (Wood)
| | - Adria Zern
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York City (Compton, Zern, Pope); Gateway Behavioral Health Services, Savannah, Georgia (Graves, Anderson, Ellis); Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and St. Luke's/West Hospital Center, New York City (Pauselli); DeKalb Community Service Board, Atlanta (Ashekun, Langlois); Helen Bader School of Social Welfare, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee (Watson); Department of Criminal Justice, College of Liberal Arts, Temple University, Philadelphia (Wood)
| | - Luca Pauselli
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York City (Compton, Zern, Pope); Gateway Behavioral Health Services, Savannah, Georgia (Graves, Anderson, Ellis); Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and St. Luke's/West Hospital Center, New York City (Pauselli); DeKalb Community Service Board, Atlanta (Ashekun, Langlois); Helen Bader School of Social Welfare, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee (Watson); Department of Criminal Justice, College of Liberal Arts, Temple University, Philadelphia (Wood)
| | - Simone Anderson
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York City (Compton, Zern, Pope); Gateway Behavioral Health Services, Savannah, Georgia (Graves, Anderson, Ellis); Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and St. Luke's/West Hospital Center, New York City (Pauselli); DeKalb Community Service Board, Atlanta (Ashekun, Langlois); Helen Bader School of Social Welfare, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee (Watson); Department of Criminal Justice, College of Liberal Arts, Temple University, Philadelphia (Wood)
| | - Oluwatoyin Ashekun
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York City (Compton, Zern, Pope); Gateway Behavioral Health Services, Savannah, Georgia (Graves, Anderson, Ellis); Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and St. Luke's/West Hospital Center, New York City (Pauselli); DeKalb Community Service Board, Atlanta (Ashekun, Langlois); Helen Bader School of Social Welfare, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee (Watson); Department of Criminal Justice, College of Liberal Arts, Temple University, Philadelphia (Wood)
| | - Samantha Ellis
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York City (Compton, Zern, Pope); Gateway Behavioral Health Services, Savannah, Georgia (Graves, Anderson, Ellis); Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and St. Luke's/West Hospital Center, New York City (Pauselli); DeKalb Community Service Board, Atlanta (Ashekun, Langlois); Helen Bader School of Social Welfare, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee (Watson); Department of Criminal Justice, College of Liberal Arts, Temple University, Philadelphia (Wood)
| | - Stephanie Langlois
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York City (Compton, Zern, Pope); Gateway Behavioral Health Services, Savannah, Georgia (Graves, Anderson, Ellis); Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and St. Luke's/West Hospital Center, New York City (Pauselli); DeKalb Community Service Board, Atlanta (Ashekun, Langlois); Helen Bader School of Social Welfare, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee (Watson); Department of Criminal Justice, College of Liberal Arts, Temple University, Philadelphia (Wood)
| | - Leah Pope
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York City (Compton, Zern, Pope); Gateway Behavioral Health Services, Savannah, Georgia (Graves, Anderson, Ellis); Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and St. Luke's/West Hospital Center, New York City (Pauselli); DeKalb Community Service Board, Atlanta (Ashekun, Langlois); Helen Bader School of Social Welfare, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee (Watson); Department of Criminal Justice, College of Liberal Arts, Temple University, Philadelphia (Wood)
| | - Amy C Watson
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York City (Compton, Zern, Pope); Gateway Behavioral Health Services, Savannah, Georgia (Graves, Anderson, Ellis); Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and St. Luke's/West Hospital Center, New York City (Pauselli); DeKalb Community Service Board, Atlanta (Ashekun, Langlois); Helen Bader School of Social Welfare, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee (Watson); Department of Criminal Justice, College of Liberal Arts, Temple University, Philadelphia (Wood)
| | - Jennifer Wood
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York City (Compton, Zern, Pope); Gateway Behavioral Health Services, Savannah, Georgia (Graves, Anderson, Ellis); Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and St. Luke's/West Hospital Center, New York City (Pauselli); DeKalb Community Service Board, Atlanta (Ashekun, Langlois); Helen Bader School of Social Welfare, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee (Watson); Department of Criminal Justice, College of Liberal Arts, Temple University, Philadelphia (Wood)
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Morrissey B, Hughes T, Ostrach B, Wilson L, Getty R, Combs TL, Bennett J, Carroll JJ. "They don't go by the law around here": law enforcement interactions after the legalization of syringe services programs in North Carolina. Harm Reduct J 2022; 19:106. [PMID: 36163255 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-022-00690-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2016, the US state of North Carolina (NC) legalized syringe services programs (SSPs), providing limited immunity from misdemeanor syringe possession when law enforcement is presented documentation that syringes were obtained from an SSP. This study explores the law enforcement interactions experienced by SSP participants since the enactment of this law. METHODS This study used a convergent, mixed-methods design consisting of structured surveys and semi-structured interviews with SSP participants in seven NC counties. Survey and interview data were collected simultaneously between January and November 2019. This survey was designed to capture demographics, characteristics of drug use, SSP services used, and past-year negative experiences with law enforcement (officer did not recognize SSP card, did not believe SSP card belonged to participant, confiscated SSP card, confiscated syringes, or arrested participant for possessing syringes). Semi-structured interviews explored lived experiences with and perspectives on the same topics covered in the survey. RESULTS A total of 414 SSP participants completed the survey (45% male, 54% female, 1% transgender or non-binary; 65% White, 22% Black, 5% American Indian/Alaskan Native, 8% some other racial identity). 212 participants (51.2%) reported at least one past-year negative experience with law enforcement. Chi-square testing suggests that Black respondents were more likely to report having experienced law enforcement doubt their SSP card belonged to them. Interview data indicate that law enforcement practices vary greatly across counties, and that negative and/or coercive interactions reduce expectations among SSP participants that they will be afforded the protections granted by NC law. CONCLUSION Despite laws which protect SSP participants from charges, negative law enforcement responses to syringe possession are still widely reported. Evidence-based policy interventions to reduce fatal overdose are undermined by these experiences. Our findings suggest NC residents, and officers who enforce these laws, may benefit from clarification as to what is required of the documents which identify participants of registered SSPs where they may legally obtain syringes. Likewise, more thorough trainings on NC's syringe law for law enforcement officers may be merited. Further research is needed to assess geographic differences in SSP participants' law enforcement interactions across race and gender.
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Pourtaher E, Payne ER, Fera N, Rowe K, Leung SYJ, Stancliff S, Hammer M, Vinehout J, Dailey MW. Naloxone administration by law enforcement officers in New York State (2015-2020). Harm Reduct J 2022; 19:102. [PMID: 36123614 PMCID: PMC9483860 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-022-00682-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has amplified the need for wide deployment of effective harm reduction strategies in preventing opioid overdose mortality. Placing naloxone in the hands of key responders, including law enforcement officers who are often first on the scene of a suspected overdose, is one such strategy. New York State (NYS) was one of the first states to implement a statewide law enforcement naloxone administration program. This article provides an overview of the law enforcement administration of naloxone in NYS between 2015 and 2020 and highlights key characteristics of over 9000 opioid overdose reversal events. METHODS Data in naloxone usage report forms completed by police officers were compiled and analyzed. Data included 9133 naloxone administration reports by 5835 unique officers located in 60 counties across NYS. Descriptive statistics were used to examine attributes of the aided individuals, including differences between fatal and non-fatal incidents. Additional descriptive analyses were conducted for incidents in which law enforcement officers arrived first at the scene of suspected overdose. Comparisons were made to examine year-over-year trends in administration as naloxone formulations were changed. Quantitative analysis was supplemented by content analysis of officers' notes (n = 2192). RESULTS In 85.9% of cases, law enforcement officers arrived at the scene of a suspected overdose prior to emergency medical services (EMS) personnel. These officers assessed the likelihood of an opioid overdose having occurred based on the aided person's breathing status and other information obtained on the scene. They administered an average of 2 doses of naloxone to aided individuals. In 36.8% of cases, they reported additional administration of naloxone by other responders including EMS, fire departments, and laypersons. Data indicated the aided survived the suspected overdose in 87.4% of cases. CONCLUSIONS With appropriate training, law enforcement personnel were able to recognize opioid overdoses and prevent fatalities by administering naloxone and carrying out time-sensitive medical interventions. These officers provided life-saving services to aided individuals alongside other responders including EMS, fire departments, and bystanders. Further expansion of law enforcement naloxone administration nationally and internationally could help decrease opioid overdose mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham Pourtaher
- New York State Department of Health, AIDS Institute, New York, USA.
| | - Emily R Payne
- New York State Department of Health, AIDS Institute, New York, USA
| | - Nicole Fera
- New York State Department of Health, AIDS Institute, New York, USA
| | - Kirsten Rowe
- New York State Department of Health, AIDS Institute, New York, USA
| | | | - Sharon Stancliff
- New York State Department of Health, AIDS Institute, New York, USA
| | - Mark Hammer
- New York State Department of Health, AIDS Institute, New York, USA
| | - Joshua Vinehout
- New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services, Albany, USA
| | - Michael W Dailey
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Albany Medical College, Albany, USA
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Bacon M, Spicer J. 'Breaking supply chains'. A commentary on the new UK Drug Strategy. Int J Drug Policy 2022; 109:103843. [PMID: 36041960 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2022.103843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Bacon
- Centre for Criminological Research, University of Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Jack Spicer
- Department of Social and Policy Sciences, University of Bath, United Kingdom.
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Compton MT, Krishan S, Broussard B, Bakeman R, Fleischmann MH, Hankerson-Dyson D, Husbands L, Stewart T, D'Orio B, Del Pozo B, Watson AC. Using the Theory of Planned Behavior to Understand How Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Training Facilitates Police Officers' Mental Health Referrals. Community Ment Health J 2022; 58:1112-1120. [PMID: 34812962 PMCID: PMC9197601 DOI: 10.1007/s10597-021-00920-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The Theory of Planned Behavior posits that behaviors are predicted by one's intention to perform them; intention is driven by attitude toward the behavior, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control. We used this theory to predict Crisis Intervention Team (CIT)-trained and non-CIT officers' intention to facilitate referral of persons with suspected mental illnesses to mental health services. CIT-trained (n = 251) and non-CIT (n = 335) officers from six law enforcement agencies participated. CIT-trained officers had significantly greater scores on all constructs. Theory constructs fit the data well, and fit did not differ meaningfully between the two groups. Direct and indirect predictors together accounted for 28% and 21%, respectively, of variance in behavioral intention. Attitude was the strongest predictor. Intentions to facilitate mental health referrals may be driven by the same factors among CIT-trained and non-CIT officers, but CIT officers, even at a median of 22 months after training, have significantly higher scores on those factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael T Compton
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, 722 W. 168th Street, Room R249, New York, NY, 10032, USA. .,New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Shaily Krishan
- Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Beth Broussard
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Roger Bakeman
- Department of Psychology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Matthew H Fleischmann
- Department of Educational & Counselling Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Dana Hankerson-Dyson
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Letheshia Husbands
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Barbara D'Orio
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Brandon Del Pozo
- Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Amy C Watson
- Helen Bader School of Social Welfare, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA
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Betz ME, Brandspigel S, Barnard LM, Johnson RL, Knoepke CE, Peterson RA, Rivara FP, Rowhani-Rahbar A. Voluntary, temporary out-of-home firearm storage: a survey of law enforcement agencies in two states. Inj Epidemiol 2022; 9:24. [PMID: 35864502 PMCID: PMC9302866 DOI: 10.1186/s40621-022-00389-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Temporary, voluntary storage of firearms away from the home during times of risk is a recommended strategy for suicide prevention. Law enforcement agencies (LEAs) are often suggested as storage sites, and online maps in Colorado and Washington display LEAs willing to consider storage. Questions remain about the experiences and views of LEAs, including barriers to providing storage. Methods LEAs in Colorado and Washington were invited to complete a survey via mail or online from June to July 2021; invitations were sent by email and mail, with telephone calls to non-responders. Survey data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, with testing between states and other subgroups using Fisher’s exact tests. Results Overall, 168 LEAs in Colorado (n = 91) or Washington (n = 77) participated (40% participation rate). Of those, 53% provided temporary, voluntary storage upon request by community members at the time of the survey. More LEAs said they had ever provided storage when the requester was under a court order (74% overall). Over half (60%) of responding LEAs had received at least one storage request in the prior 12 months. Many (41%) said they had declined to return a firearm after temporary storage due to safety concerns. Most LEAs supported engagement in suicide prevention (89%) and provision of community services (77%), but they simultaneously preferred being a storage option of last resort (73%). Factors negatively influencing storage provision included liability and funding concerns. Conclusions In Colorado and Washington, half of LEAs currently offer temporary, voluntary firearm storage upon request. While LEAs support suicide prevention and community engagement, broader provision of storage and participation in online maps may be limited by logistic, liability, and financial concerns. Addressing these barriers may facilitate broader suicide prevention efforts. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40621-022-00389-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marian E Betz
- Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA. .,Injury and Violence Prevention Center, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA. .,VA Eastern Colorado Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Denver, CO, USA.
| | - Sara Brandspigel
- Injury and Violence Prevention Center, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Leslie M Barnard
- Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Rachel L Johnson
- Department of Biostatistics & Informatics, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Christopher E Knoepke
- Division of Cardiology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.,Adult & Child Consortium for Outcomes Research & Delivery Science, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Ryan A Peterson
- Department of Biostatistics & Informatics, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Frederick P Rivara
- Firearm Injury Policy and Research Program, Harborview Injury Prevention and Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ali Rowhani-Rahbar
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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Shin SS, LaForge K, Stack E, Pope J, Leichtling G, Larsen JE, Leahy JM, Seaman A, Hoover D, Chisholm L, Blazes C, Baker R, Byers M, Branson K, Korthuis PT. "It wasn't here, and now it is. It's everywhere": fentanyl's rising presence in Oregon's drug supply. Harm Reduct J 2022; 19:76. [PMID: 35818072 PMCID: PMC9275036 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-022-00659-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Illicit fentanyl has contributed to a drastic increase in overdose drug deaths. While fentanyl has subsumed the drug supply in the Northeastern and Midwestern USA, it has more recently reached the Western USA. For this study, we explored perspectives of people who use drugs (PWUD) on the changing drug supply in Oregon, experiences of and response to fentanyl-involved overdose, and recommendations from PWUD to reduce overdose risk within the context of illicit fentanyl’s dramatic increase in the recreational drug supply over the past decade. Methods We conducted in-depth interviews by phone with 34 PWUD in Oregon from May to June of 2021. We used thematic analysis to analyze transcripts and construct themes. Results PWUD knew about fentanyl, expressed concern about fentanyl pills, and were aware of other illicit drugs containing fentanyl. Participants were aware of the increased risk of an overdose but remained reluctant to engage with professional first responders due to fear of arrest. Participants had recommendations for reducing fentanyl overdose risk, including increasing access to information, harm reduction supplies (e.g., naloxone, fentanyl test strips), and medications for opioid use disorder; establishing drug checking services and overdose prevention sites; legalizing and regulating the drug supply; and reducing stigma enacted by healthcare providers. Conclusion PWUD in Oregon are aware of the rise of fentanyl and fentanyl pills and desire access to tools to reduce harm from fentanyl. As states in the Western USA face an inflection point of fentanyl in the drug supply, public health staff, behavioral health providers, and first responders can take action identified by the needs of PWUD. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12954-022-00659-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah S Shin
- Comagine Health, 650 NE Holladay Street #1700, Portland, OR, 97232, USA.
| | - Kate LaForge
- Comagine Health, 650 NE Holladay Street #1700, Portland, OR, 97232, USA
| | - Erin Stack
- Comagine Health, 650 NE Holladay Street #1700, Portland, OR, 97232, USA
| | - Justine Pope
- Comagine Health, 650 NE Holladay Street #1700, Portland, OR, 97232, USA
| | | | - Jessica E Larsen
- Department of Medicine, Section of Addiction Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Judith M Leahy
- Acute and Communicable Disease Prevention, Public Health Division, Oregon Health Authority, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Andrew Seaman
- Department of Medicine, Section of Addiction Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA.,Old Town Clinic/Central City Concern, Portland, OR, USA.,Better Life Partners, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Daniel Hoover
- Department of Medicine, Section of Addiction Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Laura Chisholm
- Injury and Violence Prevention Program, Public Health Division, Oregon Health Authority, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Christopher Blazes
- Department of Medicine, Section of Addiction Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Robin Baker
- School of Public Health, Oregon Health and Science University-Portland State University, Portland, OR, USA
| | | | - Katie Branson
- Injury and Violence Prevention Program, Public Health Division, Oregon Health Authority, Portland, OR, USA
| | - P Todd Korthuis
- Department of Medicine, Section of Addiction Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA.,School of Public Health, Oregon Health and Science University-Portland State University, Portland, OR, USA
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Abstract
The fast evolution of genetic sequencing techniques led to new applications in forensic genetics, one of these being the prediction of the physical appearance of a possible perpetrator from biological traces found at the crime scene. Some European countries recently changed their legislations, to permit this technique, also known as Forensic DNA Phenotyping (FDP). The phenotypical traits that may be analyzed under those revised domestic laws are usually restricted to include no information about the suspect's health. This article elaborates whether the European legal framework, as set by the Council of Europe and the European Union (EU), defines any boundaries for the analytical scope of FDP. After a brief introduction to FDP and a description of the type of data collected through predictive forensic genetics, this article discusses the relevant European legislation and the case law of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) and the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) around privacy, data protection and the use of genetic data. The article attempts to define possible limits for forensic genetic analysis, by eventually trying to predict the jurisprudence of the two European courts.
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50
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Abella AD, Landers M, Ismajli F, Carmona Y. Stakeholder Perspectives on Implementing a Police-Mental Health Collaborative to Improve Pathways to Treatment. J Behav Health Serv Res 2022; 49:299-314. [PMID: 35000102 DOI: 10.1007/s11414-021-09782-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
High rates of criminal justice involvement among individuals with mental illness have led to collaborative efforts between law enforcement agencies and mental health providers to improve crisis responses and pathways to treatment. The development and implementation of these police-mental health collaborations (PMHCs) have received little attention in the literature, but these processes are crucial in understanding feasibility and sustainability. The PMHC discussed here is an interagency effort to identify individuals involved with law enforcement who have unmet behavioral health needs and engage them in services. Perspectives from leaders, service providers, and clients highlight the importance of developing PMHCs that support individuals with serious mental illness at multiple points, from initial crisis to independent management of treatment. In an environment where police responses to individuals with mental health and substance use disorders are increasingly scrutinized, it is critical to highlight and evaluate ways that behavioral health and law enforcement agencies work together to collaboratively address these problems.
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