NEW YORK, May 27 (UPI) -- 20,000 police officers in New York City will patrol the streets equipped with Naloxone, a nasal spray that revives victims of heroin overdoses. The number represents over half of New York City police officers.
"We can't arrest our way out of a drug problem. Naloxone gives individuals a second chance to get help," Police Commissioner William Bratton said during a press conference.
Attorney General Eric Schneiderman used the same language to describe how the heroine has handcuffed his office as well, saying, "You cannot prosecute yourself out of a drug epidemic."
The Naloxone dispensers will cost the city just over $1 million for the initial supply, and ongoing funding will come exclusively from money seized during successful smash-and-grabs on suspected drug dealers and their storage facilities.
Police in Staten Island already carry the nasal spray, which they used to save a man's life on Friday.
Read More
- West Virginia man arrested after using heroin and getting locked inside bank after closing
- Peaches Geldof inquest confirms 'likely' heroin death, police to investigate drug supply
- Ex-Navy SEALS found dead on 'Captain Philips' ship died from heroin consumption
- Pennsylvania woman suspected of selling heroin out of her hospital room and ICU
- Poll finds majority in U.S. support treating instead of jailing drug users
