Development and exploratory evaluation of substance use and substance use disorder training for the Washington State Basic Law Enforcement Academy

Abstract

Abstract Washington State passed a 2021 law requiring all new law enforcement officers to receive training on substance use disorder (SUD). This project developed and conducted an exploratory evaluation of the effectiveness of the new SUD training among recruits completing the Washington State Basic Law Enforcement Academy. Recruits completed surveys at the start (“pre”) and end (“post”) of the Academy. Surveys included two subscales from the Drug and Drug Problem Perceptions Questionnaire. ANOVA analyses compared pre-post changes in ratings among recruits completing the Academy with and without the new SUD training. Recruits (n = 211) receiving the new SUD training reported increases on almost all questions of knowledge of alcohol and drugs and professional self-esteem working with SUD (Fs = 4.6-23.157, ps < 0.05). Recruits (n = 59) not receiving the SUD training reported little to no changes in knowledge or professional self-esteem. The SUD training was effective in giving recruits evidence-based SUD information and confidence to interact effectively with people with SUD.