Police perceptions and attitudes of drug addicts

Abstract

As first responders, police are generally the first to arrive to any drug-related calls including overdoses. Little is known of police perceptions and attitudes regarding drug abuse. Police opinions are essential to study since they are the forefront of the judicial system, and America is in the grips of an opioid crisis. Research on police perceptions towards the addict is nearly non-existent. This study examines perceptions and attitudes police have towards drug addicts and the contributing factors of those perceptions using quantitative and qualitative analysis. Data obtained is from the north Texas region, in a small law enforcement area where drug exposure is substantial. A total of eleven officers completed a survey. In addition, semistructured interviews were completed by nine officers. Findings suggest most officers acknowledge having unfavorable opinions of drug addicts and agreed it is hard to show sympathy to overdose victims.