Baltimore Police Expand Narcan Training and Collaboration with Fire Department

The City Council Hearing of the Public Safety Committee held on July 29, 2025, focused on critical public safety initiatives, particularly addressing the ongoing opioid crisis in Baltimore. The meeting featured discussions on the collaborative efforts between the Baltimore Police Department and the Fire Department, emphasizing the importance of community partnerships in tackling this epidemic.

The session began with a presentation from a representative of the Baltimore Police Department, who highlighted that the agency has over 1,800 sworn members, each equipped with two to four micro milligram doses of Narcan. This proactive measure aims to enhance the department's response to opioid overdoses, particularly in light of recent incidents, such as the one at Penn and North, which underscored the urgent need for effective intervention strategies.

Major Arnold Jenkins from the Youth and Community Partnerships Division of the Baltimore Police Department elaborated on the collaboration with the Fire Department. He noted that regular commander's meetings have facilitated the distribution of Narcan and Naloxone, as well as the organization of CPR seminars. These seminars are designed to familiarize community members with the use of Narcan, which Jenkins described as easy to administer and highly effective in reversing overdoses.

Jenkins shared his personal experiences using Narcan, emphasizing its quick action and the minimal wait time for effectiveness. His testimony reinforced the importance of equipping both law enforcement and community members with the tools necessary to respond to overdose situations.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue fostering collaboration between agencies and the community to address the opioid crisis effectively. The discussions highlighted the ongoing efforts to enhance public safety through education and resource availability, setting the stage for future initiatives aimed at reducing overdose incidents in Baltimore.