U.S. Attorney’s Office Providing Overdose Death Investigation Trainings to Law Enforcement

RALEIGH, N.C. – United States Attorney Michael Easley today announced that the office is offering Overdose Death Investigation Trainings to law enforcement agencies in Eastern North Carolina. Trainings were held earlier this year in Fayetteville and Carteret County. The next training is being held in Northeastern North Carolina on August 2 at the College of the Albemarle in Manteo. An additional training is planned on August 11 at the New Bern Police Department.

“North Carolina reported a 22% increase in overdose deaths in 2021 with more than 4000 people losing their life in a single year, and more than 77% of the deaths likely involving fentanyl,” said Michael Easley. “Given this new and alarming trend, we want to ensure that law enforcement is equipped with the latest tools, technology, and best practices to investigate these overdose deaths and bring charges when appropriate.”

The free two-hour training is only available for law enforcement and will focus on how to investigate overdose deaths and determine when charges may be appropriate. Additional trainings will be offered throughout Eastern North Carolina between now and the end of the year. Law enforcement interested in participating in this training or scheduling a future training can contact Don Connelly at USANCE.PublicInfoOfficer@USDOJ.GOV.

In addition to law enforcement training, the office is also providing outreach and education through its Heroin Education Action Team (HEAT), including educational events in local communities and in schools.

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