Correctional Officers' Perspectives on Harm-Reduction Strategies in Prisons

Opioid use has been on the rise within correctional facilities, despite strict bans on these substances. Drugs such as morphine, heroin, and fentanyl continue to infiltrate prisons through various channels, including visitors and drones. Consequently, the number of inmates engaging in drug use has increased, prompting correctional authorities to adopt harm-reduction measures.

Traditional efforts to prevent drug entry have faced significant challenges, and the war on drugs has not successfully curbed production, trafficking, or use. In fact, the strict prohibition approach has led to unintended harms, including high overdose rates and the spread of infections like HIV and hepatitis C. Researchers, including doctoral student Louis-Philippe Bleau from the Université de Montréal, are studying how correctional officers perceive these harm-reduction services and how their attitudes influence their implementation.

In response to the failure of drug prohibition, the Correctional Service of Canada has shifted toward a harm-reduction approach aimed at minimizing the negative impacts of drug use rather than eradicating it entirely. Initiatives include providing access to treatment, sterile needles, and supervised injection areas within prisons, all designed to reduce overdoses and disease transmission.

However, resistance from correctional officers remains a significant obstacle. Many officers are reluctant to support harm-reduction programs because they perceive them as conflicting with their primary duties of maintaining order and safety. Some fear that supervised injection sites may encourage drug use or become avenues for violence, such as syringes being used as weapons. Concerns about risks associated with fentanyl exposure, which can be deadly upon contact, further fuel apprehension.

A lack of proper understanding about opioid addiction also contributes to resistance. Some correctional staff view addiction as a moral failing rather than a medical condition, which hinders acceptance of medical treatments like medication-assisted therapy or needle exchanges. Misconceptions and myths about addiction foster stigma, undermining harm-reduction efforts.

Addressing these issues requires improved training and resource provision for correctional officers. Providing safety equipment, overdose response training, and educational programs about addiction can help alleviate fears and misconceptions. Ultimately, transforming prison culture to balance security with public health initiatives is essential. Recognizing addiction as a health issue rather than solely a matter of discipline can lead to more effective and humane correctional practices.

As the overdose crisis continues, integrating harm-reduction strategies within prison systems is critical. Listening to correctional staff concerns, involving them in protocol development, and dispelling myths about addiction are vital steps toward better health outcomes for inmates and a safer environment for staff. Moving beyond punitive measures to embrace care and prevention can contribute to reducing the harms associated with drug use in correctional settings.