Deflection Methods: An Alternative Approach to Address Substance Use

Oct 22, 2024

Each person who struggles with drug addiction has a unique story. And regardless of how they got there, they are all humans and deserve to be treated with empathy.

In this episode, we are joined by Dennis Lowe, Program Administrator of the Ohio Department of Public Safety, who spent 40 years in law enforcement and is leading a unique model of community-driven policing. Administrator Lowe and Michael Brown discuss the challenges associated with transitioning towards a more empathetic law enforcement approach, without abandoning strict measures, and building trust around state's institutions.

We also discuss:

How the FORT Project helps reduce recidivism and foster long-term recovery by addressing the root causes of substance use.
Why a balanced approach of empathy and enforcement can create lasting change in communities facing drug crises.
The role of cultural sensitivity education in police officers to engage diverse communities affected by the opioid crisis.

Listen and subscribe on your favorite podcast player:

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Views expressed in this material are opinions of the host and the guest, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Rigaku Analytical Devices.

To make sure you never miss an episode of The Opioid Matrix, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, the website, or your favorite podcast player here: https://plinkhq.com/i/1625927161?to=page

Michael Brown

Michael W. Brown is the global director of counter-narcotics technology at Rigaku Analytical Devices. He has a distinguished career spanning more than 32 years as a Special Agent for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). He served as the country attaché in India and Myanmar; During his tour in Myanmar, he provided foreign advisory support for counter narcotic enforcement that, to date, has resulted in the interdiction of over US$250 million in precursor chemicals and implementing the regions first use of Raman spectroscopy to degrade the supply chain for narcotics production. He was also part of a special specialized counter narcotics unit operating in the jungles of South America tasked with locating and destroying drug labs and narcotic supply chains. Most recently he was the DEA Headquarters staff coordinator for the Office of Foreign Operations for the Middle East-Europe-Afghanistan-India. Michael is a graduate of the United States Ranger Training Battalion and has a master’s degree in interdisciplinary technology and management from the University of Eastern Michigan. Contact him at michael.brown@rigaku.com

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