Opioid funds used for law enforcement tech and other uses

Several articles last week highlighted examples of states and localities using opioid settlement funds for uses that are unlikely to help effectively address the opioid crisis, as the funds are intended to do.

The details:

• Law enforcement technology: A Mother Jones investigation found that over 20 local law enforcement agencies across the country have used opioid settlement funds for Flock cameras, other automated license plate readers, or AI-powered law enforcement surveillance software. The industry is encouraging police to spend opioid money on the technology, and police suggest it is a good use of the funds because it would help catch drug traffickers and reduce drug-related crime. But those affected by the opioid crisis and experts argue against the use of opioid settlement funds for such purposes, as they do little to help people with addiction.
• Unrelated uses, unspent funds, lack of accountability: At least 25 towns in New Jersey have allocated a total of about $2.3 million in opioid funds to uses that violate the spirit and/or letter of the settlement and state law. For example, funds went towards monogrammed jackets, K9 dogs, identifying broken streetlights, frosted windows for a police training room, police vehicles, etc. Meanwhile, more than $53 million has sat unused in municipal accounts for as long as three years as of June 2025. State agencies punt enforcement responsibility to other state agencies, leaving a lack of oversight.
• Sheriff allocations: Louisiana is directing 20% of its opioid settlement funds to sheriffs, the largest carve-out for law enforcement nationwide. The sheriffs are not required to proactively report spending. According to an investigation by KFF Health News, 38 sheriffs (of 64 statewide) reported spending a total of more than $8.1 million. About two-thirds ($5.4 million) went towards inappropriate uses such as salaries and overtime for homicide detectives and jail shakedowns to find contraband. Nearly 60% ($4.7 million) went to items or services on other states’ non-allowable uses lists, such as surveillance equipment. Smaller amounts funded addiction treatment in jails, educational programs for youth, training officers to respond to overdoses, and increasing public awareness of addiction resources.

Why it’s important: The opioid settlement funds present a critical opportunity to fund services that can help address substance use and addiction. Transparency and accountability are needed to ensure these funds are going towards effective uses.