HEROIN OVERDOSES IN JUPITER

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1 HEROIN OVERDOSES IN JUPITER PRELMINARY ANALYSIS 5/2/2017 1

2 BACKGROUND Opioid Pain reducing medication to include oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, as well as heroin. These drugs can become addictive and can cause serious harm including overdose and death. Fentanyl A powerful synthetic opioid is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine and many times that of heroin. Fentanyl laced heroin is a contributing factor to fatal overdoses. Heroin From the Opium Poppy flower which grows in South America, Mexico, and Asia. Looks like white/brown powder or black tar. Source: The photo above shows on the left, a lethal dose of heroin; on the right, a lethal dose of fentanyl 2

3 HEROIN DEATHS BY COUNTY According to the Florida Medical Examiner s Office, in 2015, Palm Beach County had a higher rate of deaths related to heroin or fentanyl than Broward, Miami-Dade, and Hillsborough Counties. HEROIN DEATHS BY COUNTY 2015 Palm Beach County * The Florida ME s Office has not yet released their 2016 Annual Report. Source: 3

4 FLORIDA HEROIN DEATHS According to the 2015 Florida Medical Examiner s Annual Report, heroin deaths in the State of Florida increased 1156% from 2011 to Palm Beach County led the State of Florida in heroin deaths in 2015 with 165, representing 21% of Florida s total heroin deaths Florida Statewide Heroin Deaths

5 JPD HEROIN OVERDOSES JPD Officers responded to 88 heroin related overdoses in the Town of Jupiter between January 2014 and April 17, Of these 88, 17 were fatal heroin related overdoses. Heroin related overdoses in Jupiter spiked dramatically in 2016, with a total of 50 incidents, compared to 9 in the previous year heroin overdoses continue to increase in Jupiter. In the First Quarter of 2017, overdoses increased 163% compared to the First Quarter of 2016 (8 to 21) Heroin Overdoses & Deaths CY 2014 CY 2015 CY 2016 YTD 2017 DEATH OVERDOSE First Quarter Heroin Overdoses 2014 to QTR QTR QTR QTR

6 DEMOGRAPHICS Heroin Related Deaths Officers conducted 17 death investigations that were heroin related since %, or 14 of the 17 reported deaths were between the ages of 25 and 44 94% were White, Non-Hispanic (16 of 17), 6%, White Hispanic (1) 71% were Male (12 of 17) 29% were Female (5 of 17) Heroin Related Deaths by Gender & Age Group FEMALE MALE 6

7 JPD HEROIN INITIATIVES FEB 2016 MID 2016 QTR QTR Multi-agency operation identified subjects involved in the sale and trafficking of illegal narcotics within the Town leading to the arrest of several subjects. Identified increase in heroin overdoses in the Town. Special Operations to identify and arrest street level drug dealers in the Town. Collaboration with DEA s Heroin/Opioid Operation includes data gathering and intel sharing. Used intel to target conduit of heroin into Jupiter in coordination with DEA & FBI, resulting in multiple arrests and search warrants in other jurisdictions. CURRENT Multi-agency operations continue to target dealers and eliminate supplies within the Town and Palm Beach County. 7

8 LOCAL INITIATIVES Palm Beach County Commission letter to Governor Rick Scott requesting a public health emergency in Florida in an attempt to expand options to combat the issue. Due to the significant increase of opioid use by individuals in Palm Beach County, in early 2017, the Palm Beach County Administration contracted with the Ronik-Radlauer Group to evaluate this epidemic and provide strategic action steps to reduce the problem. There are currently three county-wide initiatives addressing the opioid epidemic: Heroin Task Force Sober Homes Task Force Palm Beach County Substance Awareness Coalition s Recovery Action Partnership 8

9 NATIONAL INITIATIVES In 2016 the National League of Cities and the National Association of Counties formed a joint task force to review and identify local practices and related policies that are working to reduce opioid abuse as well as facilities for treatment. The joint task force developed recommendations for city and county organizations that are divided into four sections: Leadership reverse the trends of the crisis Education local leaders must increase awareness/education Treatment expand treatment for those struggling with addiction Public safety and law enforcement supply reduction and diversion 9

10 FOCUS ON PREVENTION AND EDUCATION Target high level drug dealers reduce supply/demand Increase public awareness Educate children early inside and outside of school Utilize data and technology to target identified areas of concern and for the exchange of information with outside organizations Improve drug treatment and rehabilitation availability Crime prevention through education Diversion programs prior to arrest Safe disposal sites and take-back days 10

11 SOLVING THE PROBLEM Coordination with multi-agency task forces for the exchange of information. Undercover/Investigative operations to gather intelligence and to target dealers and their supply. Zero tolerance for local drug dealers within the Town of Jupiter. On-street education and enforcement. Coordination with local medical facilities and Palm Beach County Fire Rescue for treatment and addiction resources. 11

12 Questions? 12