New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman said 19,500 police officers would be armed with naloxone, a highly effective drug capable of reversing the effects of an opioid overdose.
Funding for the initiative is part of a drive to tackle overdoses launched last month known as COP — Community Overdose Prevention Program.
“The COP Program is an essential part of our effort to combat the spike in heroin overdoses that is plaguing communities and families here in New York City and across the state,” Schneiderman said in a statement.
Police officers will also receive training in how to administer naloxone.