A LIFESAVING initiative that enables front-line police officers in Leicestershire to carry and administer an antidote to opiate drugs has been shortlisted for a national award.
The city council’s public health team worked in partnership with the police and local drug and alcohol treatment service Turning Point to develop the initiative, which has potentially already saved 14 lives in its first 12 months of operation.
It’s now in line for a Public Partnerships award, as part of the 2025 Local Government Chronicle’s Awards, which recognise excellence in local government across the whole of the UK.
The partnership was developed in response to a national rising trend in drug deaths. Many of these could have been avoided with the use of the antidote Naloxone, which reverses the effects of an opiate overdose – if given quickly enough.
Leicester’s Director of Public Health Rob Howard said: “In the event of an opiate overdose, administering an immediate dose of naloxone by nasal spray reverses respiratory arrest and allows time for emergency medical services to be called.
“Police officers are most likely to be the first on scene at such incidents, and thanks to years of hard work by all involved, we believe that the Leicestershire police service is now the first in England and Wales to commit to enabling all front-line officers to carry Naloxone.
“This incredible partnership work has not only saved lives, and will save lives in the future, but is also supporting a broader understanding of the challenges faced by people who use drugs.”
Approval for a pilot scheme was given by Leicestershire Police in 2023, after Turning Point and the city council’s public health team had found funding and established pilot sites.
Initially small groups of police officers were given training in overdose awareness and administering Naloxone, and as a result almost 200 officers voluntarily agreed to carry it.
James Edmondston, Leicestershire Police’s Substance Misuse Team Leader said: “The most important duty of a police officer is to preserve life and Naloxone gives officers a simple, safe and effective way of doing so. This initiative reflects a strong and robust partnership commitment to saving lives and supporting people into long term treatment.
“It is fantastic to see its use being celebrated– it really does save lives and we are looking to expand its use across the force and into custody.”
Julie Bass, Turning Point’s Chief Executive said: “Being short-listed for this prestigious award is testament to the power of partnership. We have been delighted to work with Leicestershire Police and Leicester City Council on this initiative, which genuinely has saved lives and also strengthened joint working across our organisations.”
In the first 12 months of the scheme, police officers administered naloxone on 14 separate occasions, in situations where people were likely to have otherwise died, before calling for ambulance back-up.
New recruits to Leicestershire Police are now trained in administering naloxone as part of their core training, and offered the chance to carry at that time. Since this was introduced, every new recruit has volunteered to carry it.
The winners of the LGC Awards will be announced at a ceremony on 11 June 2025, at Grosvenor House, London.