Atlantic City, NJ – The Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office, in collaboration with the New Jersey State Police, recently hosted a Drug Recognition Course at the Fannie Lou Hamer Event Center at Stockton University.
Prosecutor William Reynolds opened the session by highlighting the dedication of law enforcement members to assist those struggling with addiction and the importance of effectively addressing potential overdose situations. The training aimed to equip first responders with the skills necessary to recognize signs of drug overdoses promptly and to use Geo mapping technology for precise data collection. This approach is expected to enhance the deployment of resources, save lives, and prevent future overdose fatalities.
The course covered the identification of incidents involving heroin and opiates, alongside providing up-to-date training on the administration of Naloxone, a life-saving medication used to reverse opioid overdoses. Detective Sergeant John Bardunias of the New Jersey State Police emphasized the training as a crucial step for law enforcement to better understand substance use disorder and discover additional resources to support those affected.
This training initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen the response to the drug crisis affecting communities across New Jersey, offering hope and practical assistance to those in need.