Enroll in the Operational Readiness for Police Officers: OUD Program Today!
Online, 8 Modules
Course Access Dates: Enroll Anytime (Self-Paced)
Platform(s): Canvas LMS
Self-Paced Course Access: $450 per Officer
About the Program
Police officers are often the first to encounter individuals in crisis, making it crucial to equip them with the right knowledge and tools to respond safely and effectively. The Operational Readiness for Police Officers: OUD Program is designed to give you practical strategies to manage challenges posed by the opioid crisis and handle interactions with individuals affected by Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) and co-occurring Substance Use Disorders (SUD) or Mental Health (MH) conditions. Learn to de-escalate crises, connect individuals to needed resources, and minimize risks to both you and the community.
This course is designed to prepare law enforcement officers to effectively handle crises involving OUD and related mental health conditions. With the opioid epidemic posing significant challenges for public safety, officers need the tools to respond with empathy, safety, and precision. Through four comprehensive modules, this course covers the complexities of OUD, including the use of Naloxone, the impact of co-occurring mental health disorders, legal considerations, and best practices for de-escalation. The goal is to equip officers with practical strategies to manage these crises safely, while building trust with individuals in need.
Ultimately, this course is aimed at improving officer-community relations by fostering trust and reducing the stigma around addiction. By focusing on harm reduction and non-punitive approaches, officers will be better positioned to support individuals with OUD, reduce the risk of escalation, and strengthen community ties through compassionate, effective interventions.
Program Curriculum
Each module introduces key concepts such as the CARE approach - Calm the Situation, Assess for Danger, Respond with Empathy, and Engage Resources - which serves as a practical framework officers can apply in the field. Officers will learn how to assess and manage high-risk situations, utilize verbal and non-verbal communication techniques, and connect individuals to appropriate care services. In addition, the course provides real-world case studies and scenario-based exercises that reinforce these skills and strategies in action.
Included with the course is the Operational Readiness for Police Officers: OUD Power-Pack. This toolkit includes the program workbook with lesson guides and discussion topics, e-books, templates, reference posters, and referral network guide. These resources ensure officers have easy access to important information and can build on their skills beyond the course itself. They also serve as quick references during real-world situations where immediate action is necessary.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
- Recognize the behavioral and physical signs of OUD and understand its impact on individuals and communities.
- Understand the role of co-occurring mental health conditions in complicating OUD treatment and response efforts.
- Know how to respond to an Opioid Overdose Emergency and the proper use of Naloxone.
- Apply verbal and non-verbal de-escalation techniques to safely manage crises involving individuals with OUD.
- Navigate the legal considerations involved in responding to OUD, including understanding the rights of individuals under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
- Utilize community resources and mental health services to provide ongoing support and care for individuals affected by OUD.
- Document crisis interventions effectively to reduce liability and protect both law enforcement and individuals in crisis.
Module 1 - Understanding OUD & Co-occurring Conditions
Gain an in-depth look at OUD and its common co-occurring mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD. You'll learn to recognize the behavioral and physical signs of OUD, understand the challenges posed by co-occurring conditions, and explore the best practices for identifying individuals at risk. By the end of the module, you'll have a foundational understanding of how to respond effectively to these crises, focusing on compassionate care and safe intervention.
Module 2 - Recognizing & Responding to OUD
Become equipped with the tools and techniques necessary to recognize and respond to individuals experiencing a crisis due to OUD. You will explore the key behavioral and physical signs of opioid use and learn how to apply verbal and non-verbal de-escalation techniques to safely manage high-risk situations. This module emphasizes crisis intervention strategies that prioritize both officer and public safety, while helping individuals with OUD receive the care they need.
Module 3 - Best Practices for Field Collaboration
Learn how to engage with healthcare providers, treatment centers, and community resources to ensure individuals receive the appropriate care. Emphasizing harm reduction principles, this module covers best practices for field collaboration and the importance of building strong partnerships with local and state resources. By integrating these strategies, you'll foster safer interactions in the field. Additionally, you'll gain a comprehensive guide to national and local resources for mental health and substance use disorder treatment, reinforcing how to put these strategies into action and ensuring better outcomes for those in crisis.
Module 4 - Real-World Application & Resource Utilization
This module brings together everything you've learned through scenario-based exercises designed to apply the skills and strategies needed to handle crises involving OUD. You will participate in realistic scenarios, using the CARE approach - Calm the Situation, Assess for Danger, Respond with Empathy, and Engage Resources - as well as de-escalation techniques, collaboration skills, and referral processes to connect individuals with the appropriate resources. You'll also develop a Crisis Intervention Action Plan by incorporating the CARE approach and strategies you’ve learned to de-escalate the situation and ensure safety.
Get Your Team Started Today!
Prepare your department for the challenges posed by the opioid crisis. By enrolling your officers in this comprehensive course, you're equipping them with the critical skills and knowledge needed to safely and effectively respond to individuals in crisis. This training covers de-escalation techniques, crisis intervention, and strategies for managing opioid use disorder, ensuring that your team is prepared. Give your officers the tools to handle these situations with confidence, protect your community, and build stronger relationships with those you serve.
Program Instructors & Content Experts
Thomas B. Smith, M.S.
Baltimore City Police Department
Thomas B. Smith is a seasoned law enforcement professional with over 20 years of experience and a strong educational background, holding both a Master of Science and a Bachelor of Science in Management from Johns Hopkins University. As Co-Founder and Training Consultant at Innovative Training Solutions LLC, Thomas develops comprehensive lesson plans and e-learning modules for police and public safety entities, with a special focus on supporting individuals with disabilities. He collaborates with organizations like Johns Hopkins University and The Arc of the United States to deliver high-quality training programs.
In addition to his consultancy work, Thomas serves as a Sergeant in the Crisis Response Team at the Baltimore City Police Department, where he develops Crisis Intervention Team training and teaches at the Police Academy. He also co-chairs the Department of Justice Consent Decree Training Implementation Committee, working closely with community partners to provide effective crisis support services. Recognized for his leadership, Thomas has received several awards, including the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Officer of the Year Award and The Arc Public Service Award.
Dawn N. Peake, M.S.
Innovative Training Solutions LLC
Dawn N. Peake is an accomplished educator and training consultant with over 15 years of experience in instructional leadership. She holds a Master of Science in Educational Technology and Leadership from Johns Hopkins University and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Towson University. As Co-Founder and Training Consultant at Innovative Training Solutions LLC, Dawn develops comprehensive lesson plans and e-learning modules for non-profit organizations and law enforcement agencies, with a focus on supporting individuals with disabilities in the criminal justice system.
In addition to her consulting work, Dawn serves as a Training Officer and Curriculum Specialist with the Baltimore City Police Department, where she writes and revises lesson plans for both entry-level and continuing education programs. She plays a key role in managing special training projects, including Crisis Intervention Training, and collaborates with community stakeholders to ensure the effectiveness of the curricula. Dawn’s passion for inclusive practices and her dedication to educational innovation make her a leader in her field.
Martin Bartness
Center for Management and Technical Assistance, Police Executive Research Forum (PERF)
Martin Bartness is a Senior Principal at PERF in the Center for Management and Technical Assistance. With 25 years of service at the Baltimore Police Department, he retired as a Lt. Colonel/Deputy Chief of Patrol, overseeing operations across nine patrol districts. He also held executive roles, including Chief of Staff to the Police Commissioner and Commander of several key divisions. Martin worked closely with the Department of Justice to implement reform initiatives, focusing on policy, training, and accountability.
Throughout his career, Martin has been recognized for his leadership in crisis response, violence reduction, and police training. He developed transformative courses such as Ethical Policing Is Courageous (EPIC) and Integrating Communications, Assessment, and Tactics (ICAT). He holds multiple degrees, including an MPH from Johns Hopkins University, and continues to serve the community as Board Chair of Project Pneuma.
Greg Weber
Eden Prairie Police Department
With over 31 years experience, Chief Greg Weber served as a field-training officer, patrol corporal, patrol sergeant, liaison sergeant, ERU team leader and team commander, support lieutenant, patrol lieutenant, investigations lieutenant, captain, and deputy chief before his promotion to chief of police in 2018.
Weber earned a bachelor’s degree in law enforcement from Minnesota State University-Mankato, a master’s degree in police leadership, administration and education from the University of St. Thomas and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy. He currently maintains his Minnesota Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) License and is a Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT).
Seth Glass
Austin Police Department
Detective Seth Glass has over 12 years of experience in law enforcement, specializing in organized crime investigations. As a detective with the Austin Police Department, he has worked extensively in narcotics, gangs, and violent crime units. Detective Glass is also an experienced instructor in organized crime investigations, with a focus on undercover operations. He holds a BA in Political Science and Communications from the University of Nevada, Reno, and previously served as an Infantry Sergeant in the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division.
Mike Fickel
Austin Police Department
Detective Mike Fickel has over 19 years of experience in law enforcement, working with narcotics enforcement related teams for the past 10 years. As a detective with the Austin Police Department, he has worked extensively in narcotics enforcement related teams for the past 10 years. Detective Fickel has also been tasked with investigating narcotics-related overdose deaths, which have primarily been associated with fentanyl overdoses.
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Honesty
We feel the classroom should be a safe haven to open up and be honest with each other. We don’t teach theory - we impart practical advice and authentic learnings. Instructors provide the “real-scoop” on the interworking of organizations, delivering both their successes and failures, supplying deep insights from real experiences. Imparting this type of information allows participants to understand roadblocks they themselves may encounter, along with authentic strategies to overcome and succeed.
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Who should attend these programs?
We also have specialized courses that are geared towards Law Enforcement and First Responder Teams.
Are there any prerequisites or work experience required?
When can I start?
How long will it take to complete a program?
Fast-Track Courses consist of four modules and are designed to be completed within a 4-hour timeline. Although it may take you longer if you choose to review optional materials found on the Helpful Resources Pages. These materials can also be reviewed after completion of the course, as long as your course access is still permitting.
Mastery-Track Courses consist of eight modules, with each module containing 2-4 hours of coursework. We suggest completing at least one module per week, finishing in eight weeks. Overall, your total time spent can vary between 24-32 hours (depending on the projects you pick to work on). Although it may take you longer if you choose to review optional materials found on the Helpful Resources Pages. These materials can also be reviewed after completion of the course, as long as your course access is still permitting.
What's the online learning experience like?
You'll enjoy the freedom and flexibility of a self-paced course as you work through the online certificate programs. Unlike other online courses comprised solely of reading and tests, your online learning experience Includes:
- Learn by doing approach.
- Easy-to-use learning platform.
- Short video presentations that can be replayed and revisited as needed.
- Engaging activities and exercises that reinforce your new skills, and are downloadable for multi-purpose use.
- Knowledge challenges to test your learning.
- Interactive discussions with your peers.
- Professional plans of action to take back to your organization.
- An official university-backed certificate after completion.
- Inbox access to instructors and teacher aides.
- Helpful templates, eBooks, workbooks, posters and more, all included!
What type of technology and skills do I need for the online class?
For online courses, certain skills and up-to-date technology are needed to successfully complete the programs. This includes:
- Computer or tablet with Internet access
- Up to date browser, such as Chrome, Firefox, Safari, etc.
- Microsoft Word or equivalent
- Microsoft Excel or equivalent
- Microsoft PowerPoint or equivalent
- Adobe PDF Reader
Do I receive academic credit?
Is there an application fee?
What is the cost of the programs?
- Fast-Track Programs cost $450 per person
- Mastery-Track Programs cost $4,995 per person - Group discounts are available for teams of three or more individuals.
The price includes all course materials and access to the Executive Education Online Learning Portal. Our Learning Management System (LMS) is called "Canvas".