Big Changes For the Halton Regional Police Service
Published November 14, 2018 at 12:07 am
A big province-wide change that is impacting several different police services was recently announced for the Halton Regional Police Service.
A big province-wide change that is impacting several different police services was recently announced for the Halton Regional Police Service.
The Ontario government recently announced that police officers will be allowed to administer the life-saving medication Naloxone, according to police.
Officers will not have to face a criminal investigation if the patient dies.
The goal of the change is to save lives while also protecting officers from harmful opioid drugs that can be encountered on the job.
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Before this change was made, when a civilian death or serious injury occurred police services had to report to the Province’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) incidents where Naloxone could be administered by an officer.
This type of oversight was never mandatory for emergency service partners of police (fire and paramedic services). Now, all services are being treated equally.
“This amendment prioritizes the preservation of life,” Roger Wilkie, Halton Regional Police Service Deputy Chief, said.
“That is very encouraging for the Halton Regional Police Service and our policing partners across the Province.”
Comments made by Wilkie were sent to inHalton.com by the Halton Regional Police Service’s Media Relations Officer.
“This amendment, however, demonstrates to our officers that they are supported when trying to save a life through the use of Naloxone,” Wilkie said.
According to police, there are still scenarios that would result in the SIU being notified for the use of Naloxone or for the administration of first aid.
However, police say, just trying to save someone’s life by administering Naloxone should not cause a SIU investigation and the stress this can have on officers.
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