University of St. Thomas Law Journal Symposium: Fentanyl – Tragedies and Solutions

On October 25th, LEL members Sheriff Kalvin Barrett (Dane County, WI), Commonwealth’s Attorney Stephanie Morales (Portsmouth, VA), Sheriff Dawanna Witt (Hennepin, MN), and Commissioner of Corrections Paul Schnell (MN) participated in the University of St. Thomas Law Journal’s Fall Symposium. This symposium brought together experts from various fields, including law enforcement, medical professionals, law professors, affected individuals, and treatment specialists to address the complex challenges of the fentanyl epidemic. Special thanks to LEL member and St. Thomas Law Professor Mark Osler for inviting LEL to participate.

Sheriff Barrett, CA Morales, and Sheriff Witt provided law enforcement perspectives on combating the fentanyl crisis in a panel moderated by Ruby Nidiry.

• Sheriff Barrett emphasized that we can’t arrest our way out of the crisis, noting that it is a societal problem that requires community-driven solutions. He discussed how he has prioritized social services and addiction programs in Dane County, such as by expanding MAT options and bringing social workers and reentry coordinators on staff. Dane County has recently seen some successes including a slow reduction of overdose deaths.
• CA Stephanie Morales highlighted initiatives focused on community building and youth engagement, such as the Control-Alt-Delete Program and the Future Leaders Initiative. She advocated for shifting from overly punitive policies to more education and treatment, stressing the importance of building trust and providing resources. She also discussed challenges, such as pushback from other stakeholders, and the need to continue to try new approaches.
• Sheriff Dawanna Witt shared her perspective as a local Hennepin County leader. She discussed the extent of the crisis and the need for effective and targeted enforcement and more services. Her priorities include promoting fentanyl awareness and education, reducing stigma, and connecting individuals to resources through programs such as the Focus on Fentanyl Initiative. She noted the importance of a full-time opioid coordinator on staff focused on data analysis. She also discussed the need for consistent engagement with the community and those affected to improve policies and reduce overdose deaths. 

In the afternoon, Commissioner Paul Schnell joined a panel about treatment needs and innovations. He noted the troubling fact that the Minnesota Department of Corrections is one of the state’s largest treatment providers. To improve effectiveness, the department takes a holistic approach to tailor individualized treatment plans. He emphasized the need for accessible treatment and incentives within prisons alongside robust support systems for individuals upon release. As an example, the department provides comprehensive harm-reduction kits upon release, which include Narcan, fentanyl test strips, a letter of support, and additional educational materials for individuals to assist individuals with a safer transition back into their communities.

Watch the full symposium here!