Operational Readiness for Police Officers

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

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

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About the Operational Readiness for Police Officers: OUD Program

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

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

Program details

Cost: $450 per officer

Online format: eight modules

Rolling admission - start anytime:

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

In-person format: four consecutive days

Dates TBD:

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

Operational Readiness for Police Officers Curriculum

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

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

Learning Objectives

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

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

Document crisis interventions effectively, to reduce liability and protect both law enforcement and individuals in crisis.

Module 1: Understanding OUD & Co-occurring Conditions

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

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

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

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

Enroll Today!

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

Meet the leadership team

The esteemed faculty serving as content advisors and instructors for the "Operational Readiness for Police Officers: OUD" course are recognized experts in their fields. Whether their contributions come through teaching, creating innovative materials, mentoring students, or advising on course content, they bring a unique blend of vision, inspiration, and practical skills. Together, they challenge your thinking, enhance your performance, and help you excel in your role.

Thomas B. Smith, M.S.

Sergeant - Crisis Response Team, Baltimore City Police Department

Thomas B. Smith is a seasoned law enforcement professional with over 20 years of experience and a strong educational background, holding both a Master of Science and a Bachelor of Science in Management from Johns Hopkins University. As Co-Founder and Training Consultant at Innovative Training Solutions LLC, Thomas develops comprehensive lesson plans and e-learning modules for police and public safety entities, with a special focus on supporting individuals with disabilities. He collaborates with organizations like Johns Hopkins University and The Arc of the United States to deliver high-quality training programs.

In addition to his consultancy work, Thomas serves as a Sergeant in the Crisis Response Team at the Baltimore City Police Department, where he develops Crisis Intervention Team training and teaches at the Police Academy. He also co-chairs the Department of Justice Consent Decree Training Implementation Committee, working closely with community partners to provide effective crisis support services. Recognized for his leadership, Thomas has received several awards, including the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Officer of the Year Award and The Arc Public Service Award.

Dawn N. Peake, M.S.

Co-Founder, Training Consultant, Innovative Training Solutions LLC

Dawn N. Peake is an accomplished educator and training consultant with over 15 years of experience in instructional leadership. She holds a Master of Science in Educational Technology and Leadership from Johns Hopkins University and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Towson University. As Co-Founder and Training Consultant at Innovative Training Solutions LLC, Dawn develops comprehensive lesson plans and e-learning modules for non-profit organizations and law enforcement agencies, with a focus on supporting individuals with disabilities in the criminal justice system.

In addition to her consulting work, Dawn serves as a Training Officer and Curriculum Specialist with the Baltimore City Police Department, where she writes and revises lesson plans for both entry-level and continuing education programs. She plays a key role in managing special training projects, including Crisis Intervention Training, and collaborates with community stakeholders to ensure the effectiveness of the curricula. Dawn’s passion for inclusive practices and her dedication to educational innovation make her a leader in her field.

Martin Bartness

Senior Principal, Center for Management and Technical Assistance, Police Executive Research Forum (PERF)

Martin Bartness is a Senior Principal at PERF in the Center for Management and Technical Assistance. With 25 years of service at the Baltimore Police Department, he retired as a Lt. Colonel/Deputy Chief of Patrol, overseeing operations across nine patrol districts. He also held executive roles, including Chief of Staff to the Police Commissioner and Commander of several key divisions. Martin worked closely with the Department of Justice to implement reform initiatives, focusing on policy, training, and accountability.

Throughout his career, Martin has been recognized for his leadership in crisis response, violence reduction, and police training. He developed transformative courses such as Ethical Policing Is Courageous (EPIC) and Integrating Communications, Assessment, and Tactics (ICAT). He holds multiple degrees, including an MPH from Johns Hopkins University, and continues to serve the community as Board Chair of Project Pneuma.

Seth Glass

Detective, Austin Police Department

Detective Seth Glass has over 12 years of experience in law enforcement, specializing in organized crime investigations. As a detective with the Austin Police Department, he has worked extensively in narcotics, gangs, and violent crime units. Detective Glass is also an experienced instructor in organized crime investigations, with a focus on undercover operations. He holds a BA in Political Science and Communications from the University of Nevada, Reno, and previously served as an Infantry Sergeant in the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division.

Mike Fickel

Detective, Austin Police Department

Detective Mike Fickel has over 19 years of experience in law enforcement, working with narcotics enforcement related teams for the past 10 years. As a detective with the Austin Police Department, he has worked extensively in narcotics enforcement related teams for the past 10 years. Detective Fickel has also been tasked with investigating narcotics-related overdose deaths, which have primarily been associated with fentanyl overdoses.

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