Police Scotland Chief Constable Iain Livingstone has decided that all operational officers will be trained and equipped with Naloxone, which counters the effects of overdose from opioids such as heroin.
He said: “I know the terrible toll of drugs deaths in Scotland and policing is committed to playing our part in reducing the harm caused to individuals, families and communities.
“Preservation of life, keeping people safe, lies right at the heart of policing. We have a purpose and remit which goes beyond law enforcement. We have a positive legal duty to improve the lives of our communities. Equipping and training officers with Naloxone will contribute to that mission.”
It follows a successful pilot scheme in which 808 officers were trained to use it in various parts of the country.
Work is now underway to secure stock of Naloxone and a national programme of training and equipping over 12,000 officers, will be undertaken in the coming months.
All officers within response, community, and other roles including dog handlers, armed police, public order and road policing up to and including the rank of Inspector will be trained and equipped.
