Community Opioid Outreach Program

Funder: Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA): Smart Policing Initiative: Smart Policing Innovation 

Start/End Date: January 2017 – January 2019 

Location: City of Lowell, Massachusetts 

UMass Lowell Research & Evaluation Team: Wilson R. Palacios, Ph.D., Criminology and Justice Studies; Robin Toof, EdD, Center for Community Research & Engagement; Melissa Morabito, Ph.D., Criminology and Justice Studies; Nicole Champagne, Ed.D., Public Health; Leland Ackerson, Sc.D., Public Health; Melissa Wall, MA, Center for Community Research & Engagement; and Brenda Bond, PhD, Public Administration Suffolk University 

Project Summary/Background: 

BJAs Smart Suite of programs invest in the development of practitioner-researcher partnerships that use data, evidence and innovation to create strategies and interventions that are effective and economical. As part of BJAs Smart Suite, the FY 2016 Smart Policing Initiative (SPI) will build upon analysis-driven, evidence-based policing by encouraging state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies to develop effective, economical, and innovative responses to precipitous or extraordinary increases in crime, or in a type or types of crime within their jurisdictions. This initiative addresses the need for effective policing that requires a tightly focused, collaborative approach that is measurable, based on sound, detailed analysis and includes policies and procedures for accountability. The City of Lowell will use a two-pronged approach to intervene in the lives of opioid overdose victims and to provide early intervention to children impacted by opioid overdoses.