A LIFESAVING initiative that enables front-line police officers in Leicestershire to carry and administer an antidote to opiate drugs has won 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.
Last night they were named as winners of the Public/Public Partnerships category at the 2025 Local Government Chronicle’s Awards, which recognise excellence in local government across the whole of the UK.
Feedback from the LGC said: “Judges were wowed by a partnership solution which is both innovative and pragmatic. The clarity on the role of each partner and the way they overcame challenges was truly impressive. We could see how all places could apply this model to save lives and strengthen services – amazing outcomes.”
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: “It’s great to see our partnership recognised in this way as it will help to raise awareness of what can be achieved by public bodies working together with the same aim.”
The scheme saves lives through Naloxone being administered immediately in the event of an opiate overdose. It’s given in the form of a nasal spray which reverses respiratory arrest and allows time for emergency medical services to be called.
Rob Howard said: “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.”
Grace Strong, Head of Prevention at Leicestershire Police said; “Partnership working is at the heart of prevention and the Naloxone project is an exemplary example of the police joining forces with partners to ensure we prevent harm. We are proud of this ground-breaking project and to this receive a national award is a very welcome external recognition.”
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 trained in overdose awareness and administering Naloxone, after which almost 200 officers voluntarily agreed to carry it.
Julie Bass, Turning Point’s Chief Executive said: “Winning 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.
Around 1000 entries were submitted to the 2025 LGC Awards, with winners announced at a ceremony on 11 June 2025 in London.
Picture caption: Leicestershire police officers are trained in the use of Naloxene by Turning Point Leicester.