Police Officers’ Perceptions of Drug-Induced Homicide Laws: Evidence from Texas and Implications for Policy and Practice

• In Event: Blame Attribution and Public Opinion

Abstract

Amid the proliferation of synthetic opioids, prosecutors have increasingly turned to drug-induced homicide (DIH) laws as a legal mechanism to hold drug suppliers criminally accountable for fatal overdoses. Despite growing debate on the utility and consequences of DIH laws, little is known about how law enforcement officers (LEOs), who play a pivotal role in overdose response, perceive these laws and their effectiveness. This study, based on survey data of 78 Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office deputies in Texas, finds that LEOs generally express confidence in the deterrent aspects of DIH enforcement. Deputies who exhibited an enforcement-oriented mindset, reported vicarious experiences with opioid overdoses, expressed concerns about unintended consequences of a newly enacted state drug prescription statute, and supported the application of DIH laws to victims’ co-users were significantly more likely to perceive DIH laws as effective. While officers’ positive views of DIH laws may signal greater investigative emphasis at overdose scenes, it remains critical that such efforts are carefully balanced with a sustained commitment to harm reduction principles.

Authors

• Jonathan C. Reid, Texas A&M University

• Ling Ren, University of Nebraska Omaha

• Yujin Kim, University of Nebraska at Omaha