Bel Air Police to Start Using Naloxone

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Officers within the Bel Air Police Department will start carrying Naloxone, a drug that can help reverse fatal opiate-related overdoses, Interim Police Chief Jack Meckley said Wednesday.

The measure will help the department ”become more proactive in dealing with the growing heroin issue,” according to a statement from Meckley.

The announcement comes the day after the Maryland Department of Mental Health and Hygiene reported a 25-percent increase in heroin-related deaths statewide in 2014 compared with the previous year.

In Harford County, there were 23 heroin-related deaths in 2014, the report shows, up from 22 in 2013.

• Harford Sheriff Gives Overdose Data, Asks for Help
• Lawmakers Look to Curb Maryland’s Heroin Problem
• Annapolis Officer Saves Heroin User Minutes After Completing Training

In January, Harford County Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler announced a new approach to drug investigations, treating them as intelligence gathering and life saving opportunities. Naloxone, also called “Narcan,“ was among the resources provided to deputies in addressing the opioid epidemic.

From January to May 20, deputies have successfully used Narcan 18 times, according to Harford County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Cristie Kahler.

Recently, the Harford County Health Department has offered training on Naloxone for community members and it will now train Bel Air Police.

Said Meckley: “We will continue to work closely with the Harford County Drug Task Force as well as the Harford County Office of Drug Control Policy as we in the law enforcement field work to help combat this deadly trend.”

Resources for Combating Heroin

• Report drug dealing to the Harford County Sheriff’s Office anonymous tip line at 410-836-7788.
• Get help for addiction from the Harford County Health Department at 410-877-2347.