DCAM Consortium Report - Law enforcement guidance

The role of law enforcement is key – not only as a component of international drug regulation and control systems, but as a facilitator of access to opioid medicines by those in need.

Law enforcement personnel can and do hinder access to medical opioids and MAT, but equally can play a key role in reforming and streamlining legitimate access without compromising effective policing of drug diversion. A functioning medical opioids supply and delivery system requires law enforcement officers to differentiate between good medicine and drug trafficking, and to effectively identify and control key sources of diversion. Effective implementation alsorequires attitudinal changes among law enforcement officials to support reforms in practice. “Law enforcement agencies play an important role in promoting, or inhibiting, healthy behavior".

This guide is designed to provide instructive information to all levels of law enforcement, particularly narcotics enforcement at the local, state and national levels, corrective services and custodial officers, and drug regulators.