Linsey Belisle, assistant professor of criminal justice, alongside graduate students and colleagues from San Diego State, recently published research on how probation and parole officers (POs) have responded or would respond when clients carry Naloxone. Because people on community supervision face a higher risk of fatal opioid overdose, POs can play an important role in supporting Naloxone access.
The study found that many POs were supportive, but some responses reflected stigma or could be viewed as potentially punitive, which may discourage clients from carrying Naloxone. The findings highlight the need for clearer policies to reduce confusion and improve Naloxone access for people under supervision.