No Arrests If Calling 911 During Drug Overdose: NYPD

A terrible epidemic right now, and this is a good way to help those that are in immediate danger. That being said, I hope this policy is actually enforced in an effective manner.

Where I lived and went to school, there was a similar policy enforced by the police. If you take the action to help someone in danger from overdosing, whether it's an opioid or alcohol, the police will not charge you even if you too are in violation of the law. Now it only applies to being under the influence, any other crimes they discover are still going to be pursued. And for this reason, those who I have spoke to are hesitant to help even when it means someone's life is on the line.

This is completely anecdotal, but every instance of being a good samaritan that I've heard of, the caller has been charged or gotten into trouble by some other means (whether by their school or employer). For an alcohol poisoning case the person ended up having to take mandatory classes that interfered with their school work.

I'm not saying this is a bad policy by any means, it's certainly a step in the right direction. But it also takes an open an honest discussion that the samaritan should be aware of. If they know they'll be in jail for possession, or having paraphernalia on the premises, it lowers the chance of the call taking place, and the life being saved.

I truly hope this policy is executed with the sole intent to save lives.