i_opioidsubstance_2018a_2018-08-22t09:41:55z5 Hearing Summary

Chief Rick Brandt, Substance Abuse Trend and Response Task Force, discussed the efforts of law enforcement in addressing the sale and use of heroin.  He spoke about the seizure rate of heroin by police officers, the number of overdose deaths from heroin, and the use of Narcan by first responders.  Chief Brandt spoke about Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (L.E.A.D.) and the co-responder model.  Chief Brandt responded to questions.

Committee members dialogued with Chief Brandt about the L.E.A.D. program and the co-responder model.

Christian Mohr, Colorado Bureau of Investigation, spoke about the history of law enforcement drug task forces.  

Dan May, District Attorney 4th Judicial, spoke about the number of heroin distribution and possession cases prosecuted in the 4th Judicial District.  He pointed out that law enforcement task forces are an effective way to set enforcement and treatment policies across local jurisdictions.  He discussed funding needs for task forces.  He discussed the benefits to funding treatment programs for individuals with substance use disorders, and suggested that law enforcement establish a referral system for these individuals, which would include a referral to a county department of health for treatment.  

Jose Esquibel, Colorado Office of the Attorney General (AG), told the committee about the AG's Summit.  He discussed concerns about work force capacity of law enforcement, opioid response teams, targeting drug trafficking, coordinating with the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), enforcement actions against DEA registrants' operations that are outside of the law, and tracking overdose deaths. Committee questions followed.  

DA May responded to questions about the use of marijuana and whether marijuana use increases the likelihood of using other drugs.  Committee discussion followed about substance use in Native American communities.  Discussion followed about the best use of state funds to address adverse social issues related to drug use.  

DA May discussed the 4th Judicial District drug court and diversion efforts.  He expressed concern that state law could affect the success of drug courts.