Abstract / Summary
Misinformation regarding occupational fentanyl exposure remains common among U.S. law enforcement despite evidence indicating that incidental exposure poses minimal risk of opioid toxicity. Such misinformation may influence overdose response as well as other policing activities involving illicit drugs. We developed and evaluated a novel online occupational risk reduction training designed to improve officers’ knowledge and confidence regarding occupational fentanyl exposure risk, overdose response, and related occupational safety practices. This convergent mixed-methods study evaluated a 50-minute online occupational risk reduction training delivered following a general naloxone overdose response module for first responders. Police officers from 26 U.S. states participated ( N = 322). Participants completed identical pre- and post-training surveys assessing perceptions of fentanyl exposure risk, occupational safety, and related knowledge. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 officers to explore how participants interpreted and applied the training. Following the training, statistically significant improvements were observed in officers’ confidence that incidental skin contact with fentanyl would not result in overdose, recognizing opioid overdose, and effectively reversing an overdose using rescue techniques and naloxone. Confidence in using basic protective equipment also increased, although the change was not statistically significant. Qualitative findings complemented these results by demonstrating that officers interpreted and applied the training differently depending on their occupational backgrounds and experiences. For some participants, the training provided foundational knowledge; for others, it reinforced existing evidence-based practices or corrected misconceptions regarding occupational fentanyl exposure. However, some officers continued to interpret emotionally or personally salient workplace experiences as evidence of fentanyl toxicity despite descriptions inconsistent with opioid overdose. This evidence-based online occupational risk reduction training improved police officers’ knowledge and confidence regarding occupational fentanyl exposure risk. At the same time, qualitative findings demonstrate that prior occupational experiences and organizational influences shape how officers interpret and apply evidence-based information. Accessible online training represents a practical strategy for improving occupational safety while helping to counter persistent misinformation regarding occupational fentanyl exposure.