2024 was the first year the Abilene Police Department began tracking overdose-related statistics through a website called OD Maps. Every day, Lieutenant Josh Davis, who is over APD’s narcotics unit, inputs the data, along with hospital, ambulance, and fire services, “We had 217 overdoses reported in Taylor County,” Davis said, "And of those, 24% involved fentanyl, 33% involved opioids, 40% involved prescription medication, and 35% involved two or more of those substances,” Davis said of the ten fatalities last year, seven involved fentanyl.
Overdose numbers have dropped, but Davis said it is likely there will be people to replace the traffickers who were arrested, “That’s something that we just have to be vigilant about and stay on top of and make sure that we’re addressing those issues when we become aware of them.”
APD is involved in several anti-drug initiatives within the community. They host classes and public presentations on what to look out for with drug use, “A lot of people aren’t aware of what happens when somebody is using methamphetamine or fentanyl and how their behavior might be, so we educate them in that way.” Because of this, APD educates Child Protective Services on what to look out for when they enter homes where drug use may be suspected, as well as teachers who may have students dealing with drug issues at home.
Officers have to take special measures to protect themselves and their K-nines from exposure to dangerous amounts of fentanyl. Last year, the Guidepost Solutions group presented to the APD over some of these practices, “One thing a lot of people don’t realize is using the hand sanitizer that was popular, back in COVID, of course, using that can actually cause the fentanyl to absorb into the skin.”
They also discussed how K-9s should be protected compared to officers, depending on the risks of particular circumstances.
Abilene has also added help for people who are overdosing. Last year the Abilene Recovery Council set up a free Narcan vending machine at 1017 Butternut Street.
National Substance Abuse Hotline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
Samhsa.gov
