Public Safety Committee — Burlington, VT
Date: 2025-05-29
Time: 17:30

City Council - Public Safety Committee

 Thursday, May 29, 2025, 5:30 PM, Zoom/Champlain Room, 3rd Floor, City Hall

When: May 29, 2025 05:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Topic: Public Safety Committee Meeting

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1. Adopt the Agenda
 1.1. Motion to amend/adopt agenda

2. Adopt Minutes
 2.1. Motion to adopt draft minutes from April 17, 2025

3. Public Forum
 Subject 3.1. Verbal Comments
 Meeting May 29, 2025 - Public Safety Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, May 29, 2025,
 5:30 PM, Zoom/Champlain Room, 3rd Floor, City Hall
  Category 3. Public Forum
  Department


  Type

4. Chiefs' Oral Reports
  Subject 4.1. Police
  Meeting May 29, 2025 - Public Safety Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, May 29, 2025,
 5:30 PM, Zoom/Champlain Room, 3rd Floor, City Hall


  Category 4. Chiefs' Oral Reports

  Department


  Type

  Recommended Action

  Subject 4.2. Fire
  Meeting May 29, 2025 - Public Safety Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, May 29, 2025,
 5:30 PM, Zoom/Champlain Room, 3rd Floor, City Hall


  Category 4. Chiefs' Oral Reports

  Department


  Type

  Recommended Action

5. Data from State's Attorney
  Subject 5.1. Data from State's Attorney
  Meeting May 29, 2025 - Public Safety Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, May 29, 2025,
 5:30 PM, Zoom/Champlain Room, 3rd Floor, City Hall
  Category 5. Data from State's Attorney
  Department Council and Board


  Type

6. Urban Park Ranger Information
  Subject 6.1. Reminders about Camping in Parks
  Meeting May 29, 2025 - Public Safety Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, May 29, 2025,
 5:30 PM, Zoom/Champlain Room, 3rd Floor, City Hall


  Category 6. Urban Park Ranger Information

  Department Council and Board


  Type

  Recommended Action
7. Sheltering on Public Lands Policy
  Subject 7.1. Sheltering on Public Lands Policy
  Meeting May 29, 2025 - Public Safety Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, May 29, 2025,
 5:30 PM, Zoom/Champlain Room, 3rd Floor, City Hall


  Category 7. Sheltering on Public Lands Policy

  Department Council and Board


  Type Discussion


  Recommended Action

8. Overdose Prevention Center - Next Steps
  Subject 8.1. Overdose Prevention Center - Next Steps
  Meeting May 29, 2025 - Public Safety Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, May 29, 2025,
 5:30 PM, Zoom/Champlain Room, 3rd Floor, City Hall


  Category 8. Overdose Prevention Center - Next Steps

  Department Council and Board


  Type

  Recommended Action

9. Chair Comments on Public Safety Resolutions
  Subject 9.1. Chair Comments on Public Safety Resolutions
  Meeting May 29, 2025 - Public Safety Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, May 29, 2025,
 5:30 PM, Zoom/Champlain Room, 3rd Floor, City Hall


  Category 9. Chair Comments on Public Safety Resolutions

  Department Council and Board


  Type

  Recommended Action

10. Upcoming Meeting Dates
  Subject 10.1. Upcoming Meeting Dates
  Meeting May 29, 2025 - Public Safety Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, May 29, 2025,
 5:30 PM, Zoom/Champlain Room, 3rd Floor, City Hall


  Category 10. Upcoming Meeting Dates

  Department Council and Board


  Type

  Recommended Action
11. Adjournment
  Subject 11.1. Motion to adjourn
  Meeting May 29, 2025 - Public Safety Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, May 29, 2025,
 5:30 PM, Zoom/Champlain Room, 3rd Floor, City Hall


  Category 11. Adjournment

  Department Council and Board


  Type

  Recommended Action

12. Informational and Non-Discrimination Statements
  Subject 12.1. This agenda is available in alternative formats upon request. For more
 information on access, call Lori Olberg, Licensing, Voting and Records
 Coordinator (802-865-7136)(TTY 802-865-7142). Persons with disabilities
 who require assistance or special arrangements to participate are encouraged
 to contact 802-865-7000 (voice) or 802-865-7142 (TTY) at least 72 hours in
 advance so that proper arrangements can be made. The City of Burlington will
 not tolerate unlawful harassment or discrimination on the basis of political or
 religious affiliation, race, color, national origin, place of birth, ancestry, age,
 sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, veteran status,
 disability, HIV positive status, crime victim status or genetic information.
  Meeting May 29, 2025 - Public Safety Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, May 29, 2025,
 5:30 PM, Zoom/Champlain Room, 3rd Floor, City Hall
  Category 12. Informational and Non-Discrimination Statements
  Department Council and Board


  Type

City Council - Public Safety Committee

 Thursday, May 29, 2025, 5:30 PM, Zoom/Champlain Room, 3rd Floor, City Hall

When: May 29, 2025 05:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Topic: Public Safety Committee Meeting

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1. Adopt the Agenda
 1.1. Motion to amend/adopt agenda

2. Adopt Minutes
 2.1. Motion to adopt draft minutes from April 17, 2025

3. Public Forum
 Subject 3.1. Verbal Comments
 Meeting May 29, 2025 - Public Safety Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, May 29, 2025,
 5:30 PM, Zoom/Champlain Room, 3rd Floor, City Hall



 Page 1 of 75
  Category 3. Public Forum
  Department


  Type

4. Chiefs' Oral Reports
  Subject 4.1. Police
  Meeting May 29, 2025 - Public Safety Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, May 29, 2025,
 5:30 PM, Zoom/Champlain Room, 3rd Floor, City Hall


  Category 4. Chiefs' Oral Reports

  Department


  Type

  Recommended Action

  Subject 4.2. Fire
  Meeting May 29, 2025 - Public Safety Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, May 29, 2025,
 5:30 PM, Zoom/Champlain Room, 3rd Floor, City Hall


  Category 4. Chiefs' Oral Reports

  Department


  Type

  Recommended Action

5. Data from State's Attorney
  Subject 5.1. Data from State's Attorney
  Meeting May 29, 2025 - Public Safety Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, May 29, 2025,
 5:30 PM, Zoom/Champlain Room, 3rd Floor, City Hall
  Category 5. Data from State's Attorney
  Department Council and Board


  Type

6. Urban Park Ranger Information
  Subject 6.1. Reminders about Camping in Parks
  Meeting May 29, 2025 - Public Safety Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, May 29, 2025,
 5:30 PM, Zoom/Champlain Room, 3rd Floor, City Hall


  Category 6. Urban Park Ranger Information

  Department Council and Board


  Type

  Recommended Action



 Page 2 of 75
7. Sheltering on Public Lands Policy
  Subject 7.1. Sheltering on Public Lands Policy
  Meeting May 29, 2025 - Public Safety Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, May 29, 2025,
 5:30 PM, Zoom/Champlain Room, 3rd Floor, City Hall


  Category 7. Sheltering on Public Lands Policy

  Department Council and Board


  Type Discussion


  Recommended Action

8. Overdose Prevention Center - Next Steps
  Subject 8.1. Overdose Prevention Center - Next Steps
  Meeting May 29, 2025 - Public Safety Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, May 29, 2025,
 5:30 PM, Zoom/Champlain Room, 3rd Floor, City Hall


  Category 8. Overdose Prevention Center - Next Steps

  Department Council and Board


  Type

  Recommended Action

9. Chair Comments on Public Safety Resolutions
  Subject 9.1. Chair Comments on Public Safety Resolutions
  Meeting May 29, 2025 - Public Safety Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, May 29, 2025,
 5:30 PM, Zoom/Champlain Room, 3rd Floor, City Hall


  Category 9. Chair Comments on Public Safety Resolutions

  Department Council and Board


  Type

  Recommended Action

10. Upcoming Meeting Dates
  Subject 10.1. Upcoming Meeting Dates
  Meeting May 29, 2025 - Public Safety Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, May 29, 2025,
 5:30 PM, Zoom/Champlain Room, 3rd Floor, City Hall


  Category 10. Upcoming Meeting Dates

  Department Council and Board


  Type

  Recommended Action


 Page 3 of 75
11. Adjournment
  Subject 11.1. Motion to adjourn
  Meeting May 29, 2025 - Public Safety Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, May 29, 2025,
 5:30 PM, Zoom/Champlain Room, 3rd Floor, City Hall


  Category 11. Adjournment

  Department Council and Board


  Type

  Recommended Action

12. Informational and Non-Discrimination Statements
  Subject 12.1. This agenda is available in alternative formats upon request. For more
 information on access, call Lori Olberg, Licensing, Voting and Records
 Coordinator (802-865-7136)(TTY 802-865-7142). Persons with disabilities
 who require assistance or special arrangements to participate are encouraged
 to contact 802-865-7000 (voice) or 802-865-7142 (TTY) at least 72 hours in
 advance so that proper arrangements can be made. The City of Burlington will
 not tolerate unlawful harassment or discrimination on the basis of political or
 religious affiliation, race, color, national origin, place of birth, ancestry, age,
 sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, veteran status,
 disability, HIV positive status, crime victim status or genetic information.
  Meeting May 29, 2025 - Public Safety Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, May 29, 2025,
 5:30 PM, Zoom/Champlain Room, 3rd Floor, City Hall
  Category 12. Informational and Non-Discrimination Statements
  Department Council and Board


  Type




 Page 4 of 75
 Public Safety Committee
 Thursday, March 20, 2025
 Remote via Zoom/In-Person in Queen City Room, 3rd Floor, City Hall, Burlington,
 Vermont
 DRAFT MINUTES

Members Present: Melo Grant (Chair), Mark Barlow, Buddy Singh

Staff Present: Hayley McClenahan (Assistant City Attorney), Michael LaChance (Fire Chief),
Shawn Burke (Interim Police Chief), Lacey Smith (Assistant Director of CAIP)

Public Present: Erin Malone, Chris Haessly, Sarah George

Meeting called to order at 5:33 PM by Councilor Grant.

1. Adopt the Agenda
 1.01 Adopt the Agenda

Motion to Adopt Agenda as written.

Motion by Councilor Barlow, Seconded by Councilor Singh
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yes: Unanimous

2. Chair Opening Remarks
 2.01 Chair Opening Remarks

Councilor Grant welcomed the new iteration of the Committee, announced that meetings will be
hybrid from now on, and talked about Committee goals for this council year. No action was
taken.

3. Adopt Minutes
 3.01 Motion to Adopt Draft Minutes from March 20, 2025

No action was taken.

4. Public Forum
 4.01 Verbal Comments

Erin Malone of Ward 2 Public shared various incidents and activity occurring around their
business and home in the last two weeks.

Prabin of Ward 2 voiced concerns for the same area of Hyde St as the previous speaker.

Public forum closed at 5:52.

 Page 1 of 3



 Page 5 of 75
5. Fire Department Reports/Update
 5.01 Fire Department Reports/Update

Chief LaChance reviewed the latest Fire Commission report. No action was taken.

6. Conversation with Police Department’s Interim Chief Burke

Chief Burke discussed his goals for BPD with the Committee. State’s Attorney Sarah George
spoke with the Committee regarding the State’s Attorney’s Office’s partnership with BPD.

  6.01 Recruitment/Retention Strategies

 6.01.01 $37,000 video status?

No action was taken.

 6.01.02 Digital Advertising/Social Media Vendor

No action was taken.

 6.01.03 Lateral Transfer Strategy – Can BPD replicate BFD’s success?

No action was taken.

 6.01.04 Recruiting team updates

No action was taken.

  6.02 Reports/Data - Potential Changes

No action was taken.

  6.03 What if BPD is federalized? ICE assistance?

No action was taken.

  6.04 CNA Recommendations – DD40? Status of Directives

No action was taken.

  6.05 Website Improvements

No action was taken.

  6.06 Community Academy

 Page 2 of 3



 Page 6 of 75
No action was taken.

7. CAIP Updates
 7.01 CAIP Updates

Assistant Director Smith reviewed CAIP’s latest updates with the Committee.

No action was taken.

8. Police Commission Partnership – CNA Recommendations Review
 8.01 Police Commission Partnership – CNA Recommendations Review

Councilor Grant discussed the nature of ongoing discussion with the Police Commission Chair to
define how the two bodies can support one another.

No action was taken.

9. Mayor Mulvaney-Stanak Community Safety Press Conferences
 9.01 Mayor Mulvaney-Stanak Community Safety Press Conferences

Councilor Grant noted Mayor Mulvaney-Stanak is hosting monthly Community Safety Press
Conferences that are available on the city website and YouTube.

No action was taken.

10. Overdose Prevention Center
 10.01 Overdose Prevention Center

Councilor Grant recommended the public watch the work session at the last City Council
meeting on 4/14 for updates on the Overdose Prevention Center.

No action was taken.

11. Future Meetings - Hybrid
 11.01 Future Meetings - Hybrid

The Committee discussed what dates and times work best for a regular meeting date.

No action was taken.

12. Adjournment
 12.01 Motion to Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned with no objection by Councilor Grant at 7:23 PM.


 Page 3 of 3



 Page 7 of 75
 MEMO #2025-07

TO: Recruitment Division

FROM: Shawn P. Burke, Interim Chief of Police

VIA: Brian LaBarge, Deputy Chief of Administration
 Shannon Trammell, Executive Manager

SUBJECT: Recruitment Strategy

Objectives
 1. Increase awareness and appeal for career opportunities with the Burlington Police Department.
 2. Build trust and engagement through authentic testimonials and local community involvement.
 3. Increase qualified applications through a multi-channel approach leveraging digital and in-
 person efforts.

Social Media Strategy with Testimonials

Goal: Build credibility and showcase workplace culture through real stories.

Actions:
 • Employee Testimonial
 o Video series of 30-40 second clips featuring diverse employees sharing why they joined,
 what they like about the role, and their growth stories.
 o Share across LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook using hashtags like #LifeAtBurligotnPD,
 #BPDCareers.
 • Community Testimonials
 o Feature stories from residents, business community, and local organizations which BPD
 serves. The Burlington Business Association has members prepared to provide
 testimonials.
 o Align messaging with values like inclusion, impact, purpose, and the importance of
 policing.
 • Content Calendar – Aligned with VPA Hiring Cycle
 o Bi-Weekly posts highlighting different employees, divisions, special units, and behind-
 the-scenes moments.
 o Monthly "Day in the Life" Facebook / Instagram Reels.




 Page 8 of 75
 o Burlington Business & Workforce Development can help with content creation and
 social media management strategies.



Targeted Digital Advertising – Simpli.Fi

Goal: Reach specific candidate segments with tailored messaging.

Actions:
 • Platforms: LinkedIn Ads, Facebook, Instagram, Google Display Network.
 • Targeting:
 o Demographic: Students and recent grads (18-26), early-career professionals.
 o Geographic: Within 50 miles of colleges with Criminal Justice or parallel programs e.g.
 University of Vermont, Champlain College, Norwich University, St. Michael’s College,
 Castleton State, Lyndon State, Plattsburg State, Westfield State.
 o Behavioral: Job seekers, people interested in similar employers or career paths.
 • Ad Content:
 o Use short-form videos from testimonials.
 o Highlight entry-level roles, internship programs, and career development opportunities.
 o Include clear call to action (e.g., “Apply Now,” “Meet Us On Campus”).
 • Retargeting: Serve follow-up ads to users who’ve visited the careers page or engaged with social
 posts.

In-Person College Community Events

Goal: Create strong personal connections with students and faculty.

Actions:
 • Career Fairs & Pop-Ups
 o Attend on-campus recruitment events.
 o Host branded booths with interactive elements (e.g., photo wall, company swag, quick
 resume reviews).
 • Ambassadors
 o Identify current BPD employees who are alumni of specific institutions to represent the
 organization at career fairs.
 • Company Open Houses / Shadow Days
 o Invite potential applicants to visit the workplace or participate in virtual job shadowing.




 Page 9 of 75
 o Workplace visits should include an in-person meeting with a member of Command Staff,
 ride-alongs, and facility tour.
 • Workshops & Sponsorships
 o Partner with institution staff for potential pop-up testing and / or guest lectures
 opportunities.
 o Examine areas for engagement with local college level sports teams.


Measurement & Optimization

 Key Metrics to Track:
 • Social media engagement (likes, shares, comments, saves)
 • Website and careers page traffic (especially from ad sources)
 • Cost per application (CPA) from advertisement expenditures
 • Number of qualified applicants per channel
 • Event attendance and student feedback
 • Campus reach and referral volume


 Potential Tools to Use: Google Analytics, Meta Ads Manager, LinkedIn Campaign Manager,
 Application data – How did you learn about BPD?

Other Opportunities
 • Vermont National Guard PRIME Program
 o PRIME aligns Soldiers, Airmen, and their dependents with civilian employers through
 direct communication via email, in-person briefs, and word of mouth. PRIME ensures
 qualified service members interested in a company are guaranteed an interview by the
 employer, nothing more. PRIME also ensures the Vermont Guard works hard to
 distribute employer information to employment-seeking service members.
 • Beach & Parks
 o Target local college / area residents for this employment opportunity.
 o Identify sworn officer mentors for Beach & Parks employees
 o Look for intentional ways for Beach & Parks employees to see the work of sworn officers
 firsthand.
 o Stay in touch – Chief of Police thank you notes in the fall; mentors make contact in early
 winter during recruitment efforts for the summer VPA class.
 • Interface with City HR
 o Training and professional development opportunities for BPD recruitment team.
 o Resources available from HR which could add value to the BPD initiative.




 Page 10 of 75
April 25th, 2025
Chief’s Report – Burlington Police Commission


Personnel: The agency is carrying vacant positions in the Emergency Communications Center, Police
Officer ranks, Community Service Officers, and the CAIP. Our recruitment team is hard at work
processing sixteen police officer applicants, which is a strong number. The applicants are at various
stages in the hiring process, one job offer has been extended to a police officer applicant. Police Officer
and CSO application data is encouraging, the hiring process is rigorous:




The department continues to respond to incidents leveraging all elements of the organization:
Sworn, CSO, CAIP, and community partners like Street Outreach. Within the set there are no
trends of significance.




 Page 11 of 75
Sworn personnel are attending to numerous incidents which culminate with arrest. An open
data question under exploration – what categories of criminal arrest drove the sharp increase
2022 – 2023?




The department remains focused on responses to incidents related to unmet social service
needs:




These data sets are of interest in evaluating how the City invests in social service provision.
Currently the police department budget supports the Howard Center Street Outreach Team and
the BPD Crisis, Advocacy, Intervention Program to better address these incidents. It is




 Page 12 of 75
important to note that often the initial response to many of these incidents involve a police
officer due to reported danger acuity.

The department has been meeting with the leadership of the Fire Department and the
Administration to examine demands on City services related to substance use disorder. Our
goal - using our combined resources with improved efficacy and efficiency. An example of initial
data exploration:




The line “BPD calls for service potential overdose” highlight the public’s perception of increased
drug consumption in public places. EMS data accounts for the actual number of incidents which
involved substance use.

In closing, I have just completed my first 30 days with BPD. I have had the opportunity to hold
one on one meetings with ninety percent of BPD’s formal leaders, several City Councilors, and a
variety of other community stakeholders. This is also a busy season in terms of budget and
collective bargaining. I look forward to adding dimensions to this monthly report - department
training, specific incidents, data analysis, employee accomplishments, etc. It’s my distinct honor
to serve as the City’s Interim Chief of Police.




 Page 13 of 75
 Burlington Fire Department
 Response Data
Updated Through 04/30/2025




 Page 14 of 75
 FIRE DEPARTMENT RESPONSE TOTALS
 CALENDAR YEAR UPDATED THROUGH
 04/30/2025
 1 year ago Current YTD Projected EOY


 11005 11021
 10719


 9864




 8306 8408
 8032
 7819
 7521




 3524
 3271




2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025




 Page 15 of 75
 695
 762
 JAN
 786
 908


 615
 724
 FEB
 825
 887


 734
 749
 MAR 866
 838


 762
 924
 APR
 794
 866


 902
 917
 MAY
 857




 850
 937
 JUNE 979




 949
 1057
 JULY 1102




 883
 1066
 AUG
 1119
 2022 - 2025 RESPONSES BY MONTH



 919
 1102
 SEPT 999




 953
 1054
 OCT
 1004




 784
 879
 NOV
 890




 837
 834
 808

PageD E16
 C of 75
Data is for “confirmed” overdoses as reported
by the ambulance crew on their state EMS run
 form.




 Page 17 of 75
Data is for “confirmed” overdoses as reported by the
 ambulance crew on their state EMS run form.




 Page 18 of 75
Confirmed overdoses by month as reported on state
 EMS run forms.




 Page 19 of 75
Page 20 of 75
BFD Community Response Team (CRT)
Results since rollout 10/16/2023




 Page 21 of 75
  Total Filings

 Total by Average by Average 2023 2023 2023 2024 2024 2024 2024 2024 2024 2024 2025 2025 2025 2025 2025 2025 2025
  COUNTY
 County County Percentile October November December January February 2024 March 2024 April 2024 May 2024 June 2024 July August September October November December January February 2025 March 2025 April 2025 May 2025 June 2025 July August September October November December
Addison 757 39.84 23.00% 33 45 31 30 28 33 26 46 22 43 40 40 45 48 49 63 43 37 55
Bennington 1,841 96.89 61.50% 82 89 72 128 101 84 96 126 97 130 118 147 123 73 68 87 66 78 76
Caledonia 954 50.21 38.40% 68 54 73 67 48 39 48 43 31 36 45 57 38 47 48 62 41 55 54
Chittenden 4,677 246.16 100.00% 241 263 244 312 220 283 261 227 257 203 272 242 295 220 237 202 196 238 264
Essex 152 8.00 7.60% 10 4 13 7 8 13 12 12 8 6 6 6 6 4 7 12 3 7 8
Franklin 2,124 111.79 76.90% 122 87 96 116 102 106 97 123 115 132 112 126 155 94 133 104 78 113 113
Grand Isle 82 4.32 0.00% 16 3 5 1 2 1 6 5 7 4 7 2 3 3 1 0 3 7 6
Lamoille 822 43.26 30.70% 40 38 53 54 38 40 41 51 40 45 55 45 30 59 40 38 31 31 53
Orange 626 32.95 15.30% 26 21 18 28 31 45 30 43 23 35 30 33 32 77 22 38 33 32 29
Orleans 1,355 71.32 46.10% 64 58 57 85 59 76 69 91 72 78 74 96 86 86 53 71 67 56 57
Rutland 2,298 120.95 84.60% 139 96 107 122 116 140 134 119 124 146 128 133 109 89 103 101 138 123 131
Washington 2,377 125.11 92.30% 157 157 113 121 105 90 121 110 70 135 146 154 123 120 136 151 129 100 139
Windham 2,046 107.68 69.20% 97 104 91 90 84 111 103 109 111 135 85 142 142 85 104 114 99 121 119
Windsor 1,402 73.79 53.80% 79 72 68 74 48 55 58 77 77 79 87 94 76 50 74 95 90 70 79

Monthly
Total 1,174 1,091 1,041 1,235 990 1,116 1,102 1,182 1,054 1,207 1,205 1,317 1,263 1,055 1,075 1,138 1,017 1,068 1,183 - - - - - - - -
2024 Total 1,235 2,225 3,341 4,443 5,625 6,679 7,886 9,091 10,408 11,671 12,726 13,801
2025 Total 1,138 2,155 3,223 4,406 4,406 4,406 4,406 4,406 4,406 4,406 4,406 4,406

Running total
 2,265 3,306 4,541 5,531 6,647 7,749 8,931 9,985 11,192 12,397 13,714 14,977 16,032


 Total by Average by
 County County
10th Percentile 294.2 15.48
20th Percentile 704.6 37.08
30th Percentile 815.5 42.92
40th Percentile 1034.2 54.43
50th Percentile 1378.5 72.55
60th Percentile 1753.2 92.27
70th Percentile 2053.8 108.09
80th Percentile 2193.6 115.45
90th Percentile 2353.3 123.86
100th Percentile 4677 246.16




 Page 22 of 75
 Misdemeanor Filings

 Total by Average by Average 2023 2024 2024 2024 2024 2024 2024 2024 2025 2025 2025 2025 2025 2025 2025
 County County Percentile December January February 2024 March 2024 April 2024 May 2024 June 2024 July August September October November December January February 2025 March 2025 April 2025 May 2025 June 2025 July August September October November December
Addison 522 30.71 23.00% 23 25 20 26 19 35 17 32 31 32 37 42 39 50 30 26 38
Bennington 1,128 66.35 61.50% 50 88 65 53 65 95 69 99 76 98 86 47 42 57 35 51 52
Caledonia 645 37.94 38.40% 62 57 34 28 36 36 26 31 34 48 31 35 39 45 28 37 38
Chittenden 3,228 189.88 100.00% 193 247 179 228 207 173 193 135 210 183 237 180 185 147 148 189 194
Essex 88 5.18 7.60% 6 5 5 9 7 5 6 3 4 4 5 2 6 9 1 4 7
Franklin 1,570 92.35 84.60% 78 93 79 96 79 104 95 106 91 94 133 75 109 84 68 88 98
Grand Isle 45 2.65 0.00% 5 1 1 1 3 5 6 4 4 2 1 0 0 0 3 7 2
Lamoille 567 33.35 30.70% 38 39 30 25 30 41 30 34 48 33 20 46 32 30 27 19 45
Orange 429 25.24 15.30% 13 21 21 37 22 28 18 28 17 24 20 59 15 32 28 24 22
Orleans 971 57.12 53.80% 44 66 44 62 55 76 59 54 61 83 71 71 40 44 51 45 45
Rutland 1,539 90.53 76.90% 75 101 89 96 92 93 92 108 95 100 86 60 81 75 108 87 101
Washington 1,624 95.53 92.30% 76 92 86 63 92 87 56 98 130 126 93 92 109 111 113 81 119
Windham 1,462 86.00 69.20% 73 77 68 88 81 88 89 103 62 115 115 74 81 88 76 89 95
Windsor 921 54.18 46.10% 54 50 39 39 44 53 50 60 62 68 56 38 49 69 70 57 63

Monthly
Total 790 962 760 851 832 919 806 895 925 1,010 991 821 827 841 786 804 919 - - - - - - - -
2024 Running
total 962 1,722 2,573 3,405 4,324 5,130 6,025 6,950 7,960 8,951 9,772 10,599
2025 Running
total 841 1627 2431 3350 3350 3350 3350 3350 3350 3350 3350 3350
Running total 1,752 2,512 3,363 4,195 5,114 5,920 6,815 7,740 8,750 9,741 10,562 11,389 12,230 13,016 13,820 14,739 14,739 14,739 14,739 14,739 14,739 14,739 14,739 14,739


 Total by Average by
 County County
10th Percentile 190.3 11.19
20th Percentile 484.8 28.52
30th Percentile 562.5 33.09
40th Percentile 700.2 41.19
50th Percentile 946 55.65
60th Percentile 1096.6 64.51
70th Percentile 1469.7 86.45
80th Percentile 1551.4 91.26
90th Percentile 1607.8 94.58
100th Percentile 3228 189.88




 Page 23 of 75
 Felony Filings

 Total by Average by Average 2023 2024 2024 2024 2024 2024 2024 2024 2025 2025 2025 2025 2025 2025 2025
 county County Percentile December January February  2024 March 2024 April 2024 May 2024 June 2024 July August September October  November December January February 2025 March 2025 April 2025 May 2025 June 2025 July August September October November December
Addison 156 9.18 23.00% 8 5 8 7 7 11 5 11 9 8 8 6 10 13 13 11 16
Bennington 542 31.88 92.30% 22 40 36 31 31 31 28 31 42 49 37 26 26 30 31 27 24
Caledonia 187 11.00 38.40% 11 10 14 11 12 7 5 5 11 9 7 12 9 17 13 18 16
Chittenden 945 55.59 100.00% 51 65 41 55 54 54 64 68 62 59 58 40 52 55 48 49 70
Essex 50 2.94 7.60% 7 2 3 4 5 7 2 3 2 2 1 2 1 3 2 3 1
Franklin 355 20.88 61.50% 18 23 23 10 18 19 20 36 21 32 22 19 24 20 10 25 15
Grand Isle 18 1.06 0.00% 0 0 1 0 3 0 1 0 3 0 2 3 1 0 0 0 4
Lamoille 177 10.41 30.70% 15 15 8 15 11 10 10 11 7 12 10 13 8 8 4 12 8
Orange 150 8.82 15.30% 5 7 10 8 8 15 5 7 13 9 12 18 7 6 5 8 7
Orleans 262 15.41 46.10% 13 19 15 14 14 15 13 24 13 13 15 15 13 27 16 11 12
Rutland 524 30.82 84.60% 32 21 27 44 42 26 32 38 33 33 23 29 22 26 30 36 30
Washington 439 25.82 76.90% 37 29 19 27 29 23 14 37 16 28 30 28 27 40 16 19 20
Windham 383 22.53 69.20% 18 13 16 23 22 21 22 32 23 27 27 11 23 26 23 32 24
Windsor 330 19.41 53.80% 14 24 9 16 14 24 27 19 25 26 20 12 25 26 20 13 16

Monthly Total 251 273 230 265 270 263 248 322 280 307 272 234 248 297 231 264 263 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2024 Running
total 273 503 768 1038 1301 1549 1871 2151 2458 2730 2964 3212
2025 Running
total 297 528 792 1055 1055 1055 1055 1055 1055 1055 1055 1055
Running total 524 754 1,019 1,289 1,552 1,800 2,122 2,402 2,709 2,981 3,215 3,463 3,760 3,991 4,255 4,518 4,518 4,518 4,518 4,518 4,518 4,518 4,518 4,518


 Total by Average by
 County County
10th Percentile 80 4.71
20th Percentile 153.6 9.04
30th Percentile 174.9 10.29
40th Percentile 202 11.88
50th Percentile 296 17.41
60th Percentile 350 20.59
70th Percentile 388.6 22.86
80th Percentile 473 27.82
90th Percentile 536.6 31.56
100th Percentile 945 55.59




 Page 24 of 75
 # of
 months
 over 100%
 Clearance 2022 2023 2023 2023 2023 2023 2023 2023 2024 2024 2024 2024 2024 2024 2024 2025 2025
 Rate December January February 2023 March 2023 April 2023 May 2023 June 2023 July August  September October  November December January February 2024 March 2024 April 2024 May 2024 June 2024 July August  September October  November December January February 2025 March 2025 April
Addison 12 207% 69% 133% 300% 91% 75% 98% 89% 62% 76% 111% 86% 85% 131% 105% 143% 202% 85% 87% 90% 84% 133% 79% 69% 103% 61% 112% 148% 71%
Bennington 15 59% 97% 132% 62% 92% 111% 65% 95% 88% 88% 128% 101% 130% 95% 129% 139% 128% 126% 98% 97% 77% 91% 144% 150% 100% 134% 217% 132% 108%
Caledonia 15 93% 63% 85% 200% 197% 179% 71% 72% 99% 130% 94% 98% 75% 97% 100% 241% 152% 145% 131% 75% 91% 105% 124% 117% 71% 107% 133% 104% 117%
Chittenden 15 75% 114% 67% 105% 122% 83% 80% 107% 69% 118% 88% 78% 95% 114% 86% 109% 104% 126% 104% 126% 85% 127% 100% 78% 92% 123% 83% 106% 95%
Essex 14 114% 85% 136% 325% 94% 125% 65% 78% 77% 108% 100% 183% 150% 75% 147% 59% 70% 70% 94% 60% 95% 129% 159% 213% 120% 88% 143% 80% 153%
Franklin 10 128% 101% 91% 217% 105% 62% 135% 111% 89% 80% 99% 140% 85% 71% 84% 84% 114% 98% 85% 65% 90% 66% 79% 97% 77% 82% 85% 119% 109%
Grand Isle 16 100% 120% 110% 85% 64% 72% 130% 263% 67% 75% 55% 240% 113% 138% 267% 160% 171% 163% 44% 25% 130% 129% 90% 100% 525% 350% 143% 69% 78%
Lamoille 16 74% 57% 95% 85% 191% 239% 119% 154% 113% 102% 179% 166% 87% 134% 157% 68% 147% 96% 76% 112% 78% 135% 117% 58% 79% 203% 121% 95% 78%
Orange 12 83% 65% 94% 86% 88% 90% 94% 58% 56% 90% 122% 161% 178% 138% 103% 65% 106% 127% 115% 111% 48% 102% 96% 80% 89% 77% 107% 89% 117%
Orleans 21 59% 75% 75% 147% 101% 83% 114% 68% 115% 109% 145% 96% 110% 93% 173% 110% 117% 112% 126% 180% 114% 166% 91% 124% 131% 106% 132% 122% 141%
Rutland 25 142% 108% 106% 114% 153% 117% 109% 105% 138% 160% 115% 123% 136% 133% 145% 122% 123% 111% 121% 96% 78% 123% 113% 157% 95% 92% 135% 115% 106%
Washington 12 124% 147% 122% 114% 83% 107% 91% 64% 109% 97% 98% 87% 90% 115% 107% 96% 103% 121% 129% 93% 85% 63% 91% 71% 62% 74% 75% 113% 76%
Windham 13 124% 101% 112% 275% 117% 104% 64% 92% 93% 97% 108% 119% 93% 99% 113% 73% 105% 73% 89% 88% 130% 77% 92% 120% 81% 90% 88% 117% 90%
Windsor 14 121% 84% 130% 136% 111% 129% 73% 98% 111% 109% 102% 122% 79% 102% 99% 105% 83% 88% 90% 74% 70% 102% 98% 110% 89% 96% 87% 81% 106%

Counties
over 100%
Clearance
Rate 7 6 8 10 8 8 5 5 5 7 8 9 6 8 10 8 12 8 6 4 3 10 6 7 4 6 9 9 8
Number of
Months in
Dataset 29
Mean # of
Counties
with CR
over 100% 7.2413793




 Page 25 of 75
 CRIMINAL BACKLOG INFORMATION
 5.1.25

 Pending cases by county:

  COUNTY NEW NEW TOTAL Under Near dispo Over N/A** Total Clearance rate
 FELONIES MISD CASES dispo guideline * dispo Pending For past month
 FILED FILED FILED guidelines guideline Cases
  Addison 16 38 55 262 43 61 29 395 71%
  Bennington 24 52 76 389 64 232 135 820 108%
  Caledonia 16 38 54 293 48 440 124 905 117%
  Chittenden 70 194 264 1,517 200 671 235 2,623 95%
  Essex 1 7 8 79 14 65 24 182 153%
  Franklin 15 98 113 837 104 266 105 1312 109%
  Grand Isle 4 2 6 17 14 13 0 44 78%
  Lamoille 8 45 53 243 28 105 92 468 78%
  Orange 7 22 29 189 35 121 26 371 117%
  Orleans 12 45 57 301 60 460 73 894 141%
  Rutland 30 101 131 664 90 456 129 1339 106%
  Washington 20 119 139 862 117 358 200 1537 76%
  Windham 24 95 119 632 105 591 145 1473 90%
  Windsor 16 63 79 465 50 279 132 926 106%
  Totals: 263 919 1182 6750 972 4118 1449 13289 99%

* The “Near” category is intended as an alert that a case is close to the time to disposition goal when active days are in this range. It is the interval between
0.75 of the disposition guideline and the disposition. For example, if the disposition guideline is 120 days, near would be 90 – 120 days, under would be less
than 90 days and over would be greater than 120 days.

** “N/A” is an abbreviation for not applicable. The Judiciary utilizes a data tool, CORE, for measuring disposition time. The implementation of disposition
guidelines in CORE is focused on the interval between case filing and entry of judgment for Court Statistics Project (CSP) case types having a disposition
guideline. Circumstances where a case would have a guideline status of “n/a” would include reopened disposition (aka post judgment) or a case type with no
disposition guideline. (These are predominantly VOP cases)




 Page 26 of 75
 Division Civil Criminal Environmental Family
 Judicial Probate
 Bureau
 Clearanc Clearanc Clearance  Clearanc Clearanc Clearanc
StatewideCourt_CC Unit e Rate e Rate Rate e Rate e Rate e Rate
Superior Court Total 124% 99% 97% 104%
 Addison 119% 71% 97% 75%
 Bennington 112% 108% 136% 137%
 Caledonia 155% 117% 124% 223%
 Chittenden 150% 95% 102% 131%
 Essex 125% 153% 83% 75%
 Franklin 127% 109% 68% 231%
 Grand Isle 275% 78% 100% 50%
 Lamoille 123% 78% 80% 108%
 Orange 100% 117% 106% 32%
 Orleans 163% 141% 100% 158%
 Rutland 132% 106% 80% 90%
 Washington 77% 76% 109% 61%
 Windham 89% 90% 99% 89%
 Windsor 110% 106% 93% 68%
Statewide Courts Total 133% 99%
 Environmental 133%
 Judicial Bureau 99%
Total 124% 99% 133% 97% 99% 104%




 Page 27 of 75
 Comparison of pending case values from 3-1-23 to 05-1-25
 Percent Ranked
 change in change in
 Total over over
 percent Disposition disposition
 Total change in guidelines cases based
 Pending Total case volume Ranked cases from 3-on
 Under dispo Near dispo Over dispo (per pending from 3-1-23 total change 1-23 to 05-1- percentage
COUNTY guidelines guideline * guideline N/A** judiciary) (per math) to 05-1-25 in volume 25 reduction
Addison 151 21 -133 -82 -43 -43 -10% 12 -69% 5
Bennington 122 -25 -723 -160 -786 -786 -49% 5 -76% 3
Caledonia 98 3 -627 -167 -693 -693 -43% 6 -59% 8
Chittenden 679 -27 -850 -342 -270 -540 -17% 9 -56% 9
Essex 53 6 -99 -46 -86 -86 -32% 7 -60% 7
Franklin 536 32 -209 -251 108 108 9% 14 -44% 12
Grand Isle -3 9 -57 -21 -72 -72 -62% 1 -81% 2
Lamoille 41 -23 -670 -42 -694 -694 -60% 2 -86% 1
Orange 84 18 -77 -76 -51 -51 -12% 11 -39% 13
Orleans 75 -12 -848 -148 -933 -933 -51% 3 -65% 6
Rutland 286 -29 -1291 -317 -1351 -1351 -50% 4 -74% 4
Washington 566 45 -331 -277 3 3 0% 13 -48% 11
Windham 370 18 -331 -314 -259 -257 -15% 10 -36% 14
Windsor 213 -7 -304 -188 -286 -286 -24% 8 -52% 10

Total 3271 29 -6550 -2431 -5413 -5681




 Page 28 of 75
 Planning for Site Selection: Overdose
 Prevention Center (OPC) in Burlington
  The City of Burlington, in partnership with Vermonters for Criminal Justice Reform (VCJR), is in the
  very earliest stages of implementing an Overdose Prevention Center. No site has been selected, and
  formal planning for site selection has not yet begun. Our first steps involve collaboration with police,
  fire, and EMS services, laying the groundwork for a thoughtful, data and community-informed
  approach.



 What to Expect: Commitment to You: Your Voice
 Matters
A Community-Driven Process
 We recognize that people may have questions,
As required by Act 178 (2024) and the Vermont concerns, or strong opinions. Whether you're in
Department of Health OPC Operating Guidelines, support or feeling uncertain, your input is
the City and VCJR will launch a comprehensive important.
Service Assessment, including a Neighborhood
Assessment and robust public engagement, We are committed to:
before any site decisions are made.

This process will include: ✅ Ensuring transparency
 Engagement with people who will use the ✅ Uplifting community feedback
 Center.
 Listening sessions with residents,
 ✅ Reducing neighborhood impact
 businesses, and stakeholders. ✅ Integrating safety & public health best
 Community forums and NPA (Neighborhood practices
 Planning Assembly) presentations later this
 summer.
 Transparent communication about potential
 locations, safety concerns, accessibility, and
 design features.
 A formal Service Assessment Report that Site Selection Will Prioritize:
 summarizes community feedback and
 informs the final plan, submitted to the
 Vermont Department of Health at least 90
 days before operations can begin. Accessibility to people most impacted by
 City Council approval. overdose
 Proximity to existing social and health
 services
 Public safety and neighborhood
 considerations
 Zoning, ADA compliance, and design
 Stay Engaged standards
 Mitigation of syringe litter and outdoor
 Theresa Vezina use
  Email: tvezina@burlingtonvt.gov
 Page 30 of 75
 Published September 2024




Vermont Overdose Prevention Center
 Operating Guidelines




 Published September 2024




 1

 Page 31 of 75
Table of Contents
I. Introduction .........................................................................................................................3
 A. Authority ..........................................................................................................................3
 B. Purpose ...........................................................................................................................3
 C. Definitions .......................................................................................................................3
II. Management ........................................................................................................................5
 A. Administrative Body..........................................................................................................5
 B. Required Policies and Procedures.....................................................................................6
 C. Data Reporting and Evaluation. .........................................................................................9
III. Operations ......................................................................................................................... 13
 A. Hours of Operation ......................................................................................................... 13
 B. Records Content and Maintenance. ................................................................................ 14
 C. Confidentiality................................................................................................................ 15
 D. Infection Control ............................................................................................................ 15
 E. Physical Space ............................................................................................................... 16
 F. Equipment and Supplies ................................................................................................. 18
 G. Security ......................................................................................................................... 19
 H. Emergency Protocols...................................................................................................... 20
IV. Staff and Training............................................................................................................ 21
 A. Staffing .......................................................................................................................... 21
 B. Staff ............................................................................................................................... 21
 C. Training .............................................................................................................................. 24
V. Provision of Services .......................................................................................................... 26
 A. Rights of Participants...................................................................................................... 26
 B. Participant Eligibility ....................................................................................................... 27
 C. Participant Orientation ................................................................................................... 28
VI. Required Services........................................................................................................... 28




 2

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I. Introduction
A. Authority
 i. These Operating Guidelines (“Guidelines”) for Overdose Prevention
 Centers have been developed by the Vermont Department of Health
 in accordance with Act 178 (2024).

B. Purpose
 ii. These Guidelines apply to all entities establishing or operating an
 Overdose Prevention Center.
 iii. The purpose of the Guidelines is to establish requirements for
 operating an Overdose Prevention Center in Vermont, and to
 provide administrative instructions and best practice
 recommendations for doing so.

C. Definitions
 i. “ASAM” means the American Society of Addiction Medicine.
 ii. “Code of Conduct” means a set of guidelines that establishes the
 expected behaviors and standards at the Overdose Prevention
 Center.
 iii. “De-Escalation” means a set of techniques that Staff may use to
 reduce Participant agitation or aggression, while also improving
 Participant-Staff relationships.
 iv. “Department” means the Vermont Department of Health.
 v. “Fixed Site” means an Overdose Prevention Center that operates at a
 permanent location inside of a building.
 vi. “Grievance” means an expression of dissatisfaction about any
 matter.
 vii. “Hazardous Waste” means waste that can harm people or the
 environment if not managed and handled properly and includes, but
 is not limited to, syringes, needles, blades, razors, unused
 substances, drug residue, chemicals, radioactive materials, and
 contaminated containers.
 viii. “Health Care Services” means any treatment or procedure delivered
 by a licensed health care professional to maintain an individual's
 physical or mental health or to diagnose or treat an individual's
 physical or mental health condition, including services ordered by
 a licensed health care professional, chronic care management,
 preventive care, wellness services, and medically necessary services
 to assist in activities of daily living.


 3

 Page 33 of 75
 ix. “HCV” means hepatitis C virus.
 x. “HIV” means human immunodeficiency virus.
 xi. “Ineligibility Criteria” means the behaviors, conditions, or other
 considerations that would make accessing services at an OPC unsafe
 for the Participant or the staff and the volunteers.
  xii. “Intervention” means providing a treatment, procedure, or other
 action to prevent harm, reduce potential harm, or treat or improve the
 health or wellbeing of an individual.
 xiii. “Licensed Health Care Professional” means an individual required by
 law to hold a license, registration, or certification to provide health
 care services in Vermont.
  xiv. “Living Experience” means an individual who currently uses
 substances.
 xv. “Lived Experience” means an individual who has previously used
 substances.
  xvi. “Medical Director” means the Overdose Prevention Center Staff
 position with the responsibilities set forth in Section IV.B.ii. herein.
 xvii. “Mobile Site” means an Overdose Prevention Center that can move
 locations, such as a van or a bus, or a non-permanent unit or short-
 term unit that operates for less than 180 days.
xviii. “Observation” and “Observe” mean to view and monitor the
 condition of a Participant at no more than five-minute intervals during
 and after the consumption of a substance.
  xix. “Opioid antagonist” means a medication that prevents opioid
 receptors from being activated in the central or peripheral nervous
 system and can, thereby, block the effects of opioids and treat an
 opioid overdose.
 xx. “Overamping” means an overdose-like experience related to
 stimulants and can include both physical and psychological
 symptoms.
  xxi. “Overdose Prevention Center” or “OPC” means an organization
 providing the facilities and services described in 18 V.S.A. § 4256(a).
 xxii. “Overdose Prevention Center Director” or “OPC Director” means the
 Overdose Prevention Center Staff position with the responsibilities
 set forth in Section IV.B.iii. herein.
xxiii. “Overdose Prevention Center Managing Personnel” or “OPC
 Managing Personnel” means the Medical Director, OPC Director,
 RPIC, and any other personnel designated by the Administrative Body
 as a member of the OPC Managing Personnel.
xxiv. “Participant” means each unique individual using the services
 provided by an Overdose Prevention Center.


 4

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 xxv. “Participant Visit” means each time a Participant enters the Overdose
 Prevention Center.
 xxvi. “Responsible Person in Charge” or “RPIC” means the Overdose
 Prevention Center Staff position with the responsibilities set forth in
 Section IV.B.v. herein.
 xxvii. “Reportable and Communicable Diseases” means identified
 diseases, syndromes, and treatments identified in the Vermont’s
 Reportable and Communicable Diseases Rules that must be reported
 to the Department. The Reportable and Communicable Diseases
 Rule can be found on the Health Department’s website.
 xxviii. “Staff” means individuals employed by or contracting with the
 Overdose Prevention Center to provide services at the Overdose
 Prevention Center.
 xxix. “STI” means sexually transmitted infection.
 xxx. “Termination” means ending the ability for a Participant to access
 services at the Overdose Prevention Center.
 xxxi. “Total Visits” means the total number of Participant Visits, as that
 term is defined above.



II. Management
A. Administrative Body
 i. Each Overdose Prevention Center must have an Administrative
 Body.
 ii. If an established organization is operating an Overdose Prevention
 Center and the established organization has an existing
 Administrative Body (e.g., a Board of Directors), the established
 organization’s existing Administrative Body may serve as the
 Administrative Body for the Overdose Prevention Center.
 iii. The Administrative Body shall have procedures governing the role
 and function of the Administrative Body, including procedures
 establishing a meeting schedule for the Administrative Body.
 iv. Duties
 1. Each Overdose Prevention Center shall have an Administrative
 Body that is ultimately responsible for
 a. Development and maintenance of the policies and
 procedures set forth in Section II.B., herein;
 b. Management and control of the finances and
 operations of the Overdose Prevention Center;


 5

 Page 35 of 75
 c. Assurance of quality care and services;
 d. Compliance with these Operating Guidelines and all
 other applicable laws; and
 e. Maintenance of all relevant health and safety
 requirements, including ensuring that the Overdose
 Prevention Center maintains the necessary levels of
 qualified Staff, physical resources, financial reserves,
 equipment, supplies, and services to ensure the health
 and safety of the Staff, volunteers, and Participants.

B. Required Policies and Procedures
 i. In consultation with community partners, individuals with Living and
 Lived Experience, OPC Management Personnel, and others, the
 Administrative Body shall develop new policies and procedures or
 adapt and revise existing policies and procedures to address the
 following topics as they relate to the Overdose Prevention Center:
 1. Employment and Staff Contracting, including
 a. Job descriptions for OPC Staff that include, at a
 minimum, the responsibilities set forth in Section IV,
 herein;
 b. Qualifications, education, training, and experience Staff
 members must hold to provide care to a Participant,
 specific, where necessary, for each service provided at
 the Overdose Prevention Center and consistent with
 Section IV, herein;
 c. A determination of whether to perform criminal
 background checks and state and federal registry
 checks and, if so, how to account for results in hiring
 determinations; and
 d. Codes of ethics and conduct for volunteers and
 employees.
 2. Quality assurance and assessment, including evaluations of
 Staff competence, Overdose Prevention Center compliance
 with these operating guidelines, and Overdose Prevention
 Center responsiveness to community needs;
 3. Volunteer roles and training requirements;
 4. The Medical Director role, including number of hours required
 to be present at the OPC site and on-call responsibilities;
 5. Conflict of interest policy and protocol for the Administrative
 Body, Staff, and volunteers;



 6

 Page 36 of 75
6. Budget development, fiscal management, and financial record
 keeping;
7. Fiscal audits and oversight;
8. Services to be provided at the Overdose Prevention Center,
 which shall include those services set forth in Section VI,
 herein;
9. Participant orientation, including the timing of such an
 orientation and a process for obtaining a Participant’s
 informed consent for services, as needed;
10. Participant-to-Staff ratios for each Overdose Prevention
 Center space, ensuring there is at least one Overdose
 Prevention Specialist for every four Participants in
 consumption and post-consumption spaces;
11. Environmental management and establishment of
 environmental controls to assure a safe, comfortable, sanitary
 environment. Such a policy shall include requirements
 addressing the cleaning of surfaces that may be contaminated
 with leftover drug residue and/or hazardous waste and the
 infection control procedures set forth in the OPC’s Infection
 Control and Infectious Disease Prevention policies;
12. Infection control and infectious disease prevention, as
 informed by the Medical Director, in compliance with state and
 federal laws, and including those requirements set forth in
 Section III.D., herein;
13. Reporting of Reportable and Communicable Diseases to the
 Health Department, consistent with the Reportable and
 Communicable Diseases Rule;
14. Participant navigation of the Overdose Prevention Center
 spaces, as informed by the Overdose Prevention Center
 Director;
15. Security measures for the Overdose Prevention Center, which
 shall address the unique needs of Participants, Staff, and
 volunteers and shall include those requirements set forth in
 Section III.G.;
16. Hazardous waste management, handling, and disposal;
17. Emergency response, including responding to overdoses for
 opioids, stimulants, and other substances;
18. Coordination with local emergency medical services ensuring
 that the policy and procedure are agreed upon with local
 emergency medical services;



 7

 Page 37 of 75
19. Coordination with local hospitals that may receive transported
 Participants, ensuring that the policy and procedure are
 agreed upon with the local hospitals;
20. Engagement with local fire and law enforcement services,
 ensuring that local fire and law enforcement have been
 consulted about how the Overdose Prevention Center will
 engage with local fire and law enforcement;
21. Collection of Participant information and assignment of a non-
 identifiable Participant ID in accordance with Sections II.C.,
 V.C., and VI;
22. Staff access to Participant records, including how often and
 for what purposes Staff may access a Participant’s records.
 Such a policy shall limit Staff access to Participant records to
 the minimum necessary to provide safe and effective services
 to the Participant and to protect the Staff;
23. Participant record keeping requirements, including those
 requirements set forth in Section II.C.v.1. and those set forth in
 VI.ii., regarding referrals;
24. Confidentiality requirements, including those requirements
 set forth in Section III.c.i.;
25. Data collection and reporting requirements, including those
 requirements set forth in Section II.C.;
26. Data sharing to inform the Department of Health’s evaluation
 efforts as set forth in Section II.C.;
27. Data security measures including safeguarding against
 security breaches;
28. Participant Ineligibility Criteria and Participant screening,
 including those requirements set forth in Section V.B.;
29. Provision of services to Participants younger than 18-years-
 old, ensuring compliance with state and federal laws regarding
 access to and the provision of medical and nonmedical
 treatment for substance use for minors;
30. A Code of Conduct governing Participant conduct in the OPC
 while participating in OPC services;
31. Consequences for violating the Code of Conduct, striving to
 ensure Participants remain eligible for Overdose Prevention
 Center services whenever possible;
32. Termination of Participant access to Overdose Prevention
 Center services;
33. Grievance processes for Staff, volunteers, and Participants,
 including processes for Participants who have been excluded


 8

 Page 38 of 75
 from receiving Overdose Prevention Center services due to a
 violation of the Code of Conduct;
 34. Observation, as that term is defined herein, of Participants
 during and after use of a substance;
 35. Responding to Participants’ carrying guns and violence in the
 Overdose Prevention Center;
 36. Community Service Assessment requirements, including
 those requirements set forth in Section II.C.iv.;
 37. Community outreach to ensure effective and ongoing
 community engagement;
 38. Business internal control documentation;
 39. Participant storage requirements, abandoned property, and
 unclaimed property;
 40. Drug disposal by Participants and for drugs left behind; and
 41. Adoption of new policies, protocols and procedures, including
 those identified by OPC Management Personnel.

C. Data Reporting and Evaluation.
 i. Within 10 business days of a request by the Department, the
 Administrative Body shall provide to the Department the policies
 and procedures developed by the Administrative Body pursuant to
 Section II.B.
 ii. In the interest of ensuring data quality and effective program
 evaluation, Overdose Prevention Centers shall collect data (e.g.,
 the data specified in Section III.B.) in a manner that is consistent
 with and aligns with evaluation efforts.
 iii. Upon request from the Department, the Administrative Body shall
 provide to the Department a budget and budget narrative of the
 initial 12-month period of an Overdose Prevention Center. The
 budget and budget narrative shall include at least the applicable
 line items from the Division of Substance Use Programs Invoice
 Template, which can be found on the Department’s website or can
 be requested from the Department.
 iv. Service Assessment
 1. Prior to opening and operating, an Overdose Prevention Center
 shall engage individuals with Living Experience from the
 geographic region to be served through the Overdose
 Prevention Center to inform the structure and organization of
 the Overdose Prevention Center’s operation.




 9

 Page 39 of 75
 a. Individuals with Living Experience should be
 compensated by the Overdose Prevention Center
 for their time participating in the service
 assessment process.
 b. Individuals with Living Experience should be asked
 the following questions:
 i. What services would be helpful at the Overdose
 Prevention Center to help them reduce their risk
 of overdose?
 ii. How far would you be willing to travel to use an
 Overdose Prevention Center?
 iii. What model would be most accessible: fixed
 site or mobile site?
 iv. What location would be best for a fixed site
 Overdose Prevention Center (if applicable)?
 v. What locations would be best for a mobile
 Overdose Prevention Center to be accessed (if
 applicable)?
 vi. What days and hours of operation would be ideal
 for an Overdose Prevention Center?
 vii. What is your preferred method of consuming
 substances?
 viii. What safety measures would need to be in place
 to ensure a welcoming and accessible
 environment for an Overdose Prevention
 Center?
 ix. What would be the best ways to spread the news
 or advertise that the Overdose Prevention Center
 was available?
2. Following the initial engagement with individuals with living
 experience, an organization shall engage with community
 partners and other interested parties to help inform the
 Overdose Prevention Center’s operation. The following sectors
 shall be engaged through this process:
 a. Local social service providers;
 b. Mental health providers;
 c. Substance use treatment and recovery providers;
 d. Harm reduction agencies serving the same geographic
 region;
 e. Individuals with Lived Experience;
 f. Law enforcement and public safety agencies;


 10

 Page 40 of 75
 g. Emergency medical services agencies;
 h. Local hospitals;
 i. Restorative justice organizations;
 j. City or town government officials;
 k. City or town employees, including grounds, road
 maintenance, sanitation, and park and recreation staff;
 l. Community-Creating Providers, including, but not
 limited to, health care providers who support lesbian,
 gay, bisexual, trans and queer communities, Black,
 Indigenous, and People of Color communities,
 disability communities, and veteran communities; and
 m. Public transportation providers.
 3. Summary findings from these engagement sessions should be
 documented in a Service Assessment Report, which shall be
 submitted to the Health Department 90 days prior to opening
 an Overdose Prevention Center.
 a. The summary findings must include:
 i. Summary responses to and findings from the
 questions asked to individuals with Living
 Experiences;
 ii. Summary findings of the engagement sessions
 with community partners and other interested
 parties;
 iii. A list of community partners and other
 interested parties engaged as part of this
 process;
 iv. A description of the target Participant
 population;
 v. The potential number of Participants based on
 local harm reduction service information;
 vi. Identification of area(s) to locate an Overdose
 Prevention Center;
 vii. Type of Proposed Overdose Prevention Center
 Site (i.e., fixed, mobile, both)
 viii. Anticipated impact of an Overdose Prevention
 Center on the community; and
 ix. Services to be provided at the Overdose
 Prevention Center.
v. Administrative Records and Reports.
 1. The Overdose Prevention Center shall maintain administrative
 records, which shall include the following deidentified data.


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The data shall be specific to each day the Overdose Prevention
Center is open and each day’s data shall be separately
documented in the record.
 a. Number of visits
 i. Number of Participant Visits (by Participant ID
 number)
 ii. Number of Total Visits (by Participant ID
 number)
 iii. Total number of visits per day
 b. Number of Participants by consumption method
 c. Numbers of services used, including but not limited to:
 iv.  Drug-checking
 v.  HIV/HCV/STI screening
 vi.  Safer-smoke supplies provided
 vii.  Safer-injection supplies provided
 viii. Safer-snort supplies provided
 ix.  Wound-care supplies provided
 x.  Wound-care first aid provided
 xi.  First aid provided
 d. Participant Visit times of check-in and check-out
 e. Overdoses
 xii.  Number of non-fatal overdoses
 xiii. Number of fatal overdoses
 a. In Overdose Prevention Center
 b. During transportation to the local
 hospital
 xiv.  Number of opioid antagonists used for each
 overdose (if applicable), including full or partial
 doses
 xv.  Number of non-opioid antagonist interventions
 used for opioid overdoses and type of
 interventions
 xvi.  Number of and type of interventions used for
 overamping
 xvii.  Number of times emergency services called for
 an overdose response
 xviii.  Number of times Participant transported to
 hospital
 xix.  Drug(s) suspected to have resulted in the
 overdose
 f. Number of referrals broken down by referral type.


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 2. Each Overdose Prevention Center shall report the above data
 in aggregate to the Department, monthly for the first 3 months
 of operation, and then quarterly thereafter. Data shall be
 reported by the 15th of the month following the end of the
 reporting period.
 vi. Act 178 Study
 1. Overdose Prevention Centers shall support the Department of
 Health and its associated contractors in their effort to
 complete the study described in Act 178, Section 3 (2024) and
 other evaluation initiatives. Overdose Prevention Centers shall
 strive to provide data to the Department of Health in a timely
 manner and to collect the data and additional information
 requested by the Department and its contractors.
 vii. Annual Reporting Requirements
 1. As required by 18 V.S.A. Sec. 4256(d), the Overdose Prevention
 Center shall publicly post the following data annually on or
 before January 15th:
 a. Number of program Participants;
 b. Deidentified demographic information of program
 Participants;
 c. Number of overdoses and the number of overdoses
 reversed on-site;
 d. Number of times emergency medical services were
 contacted and responded for assistance;
 e. Number of times law enforcement were contacted and
 responded for assistance; and
 f. The number of Participants directly and formally
 referred to other services and the type of services.


III. Operations
A. Hours of Operation
 i. The hours of operation for Overdose Prevention Centers shall be
 informed by the following:
 1. Engagement of anticipated Participants through the needs
 assessment process described in Section II.C.iv. of these
 Guidelines;
 2. Trend data on non-fatal and fatal overdoses as identified by
 the Health Department; and



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 3. Staffing levels, to ensure appropriate implementation of
 services and consumption supervision.
 ii. The hours of operation shall be posted conspicuously on the door of
 the Overdose Prevention Center, online, and on VT Helplink.
 1. Any changes to the hours of operation shall be identified and
 communicated two weeks in advance to Participants, posted
 on the door of the Overdose Prevention Center, online, and on
 VT Helplink.
 2. If, during an emergency, the Overdose Prevention Center
 needs to change the hours of operation and cannot provide
 two weeks’ notice, the Overdose Prevention Center shall
 provide as much notice as possible and shall post updated
 hours of operation conspicuously on the door of the Overdose
 Prevention Center, online, and on VT Helplink.

B. Records Content and Maintenance.
 i. Overdose Prevention Centers shall maintain a record for every
 Participant in accordance with the policies and procedures adopted
 pursuant to Section II herein.
 1. A Participant’s name shall never be included in their
 Participant record. The Participant record shall include the
 non-identifiable Participant ID, assigned in accordance with
 the policy adopted pursuant to Section II.B., herein.
 2. Records and all the data contained therein shall be
 confidential and maintained in accordance with Section III.C.
 ii. Overdose Prevention Centers shall attempt to collect the following
 information, at a minimum, at the time of the Participant’s
 orientation, and to confirm or update the information at intervals
 determined by the Overdose Prevention Center:
 1. Consideration of whether any of the Ineligibility Criteria apply
 to the Participant;
 2. The following demographic information:
 a. Date of birth
 b. Race(s)
 c. Ethnicity or ethnicities
 d. Gender
 e. Housing status
 f. Town in which they typically sleep
 g. Town in which they spend most of their waking hours
 h. Sexual Orientation



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 iii. All information from Participants should be collected through self-
 report by the Participant, through informed consent, and with the
 understanding that accessing services will not be denied for refusal to
 provide the information requested.
 iv. Overdose Prevention Centers shall collect the following information
 at each Participant Visit:
 1. The services provided to the Participant;
 2. If a referral was provided; and
 3. Any emergency services provided.
 v. Staff shall strive to collect data and maintain records in a manner that
 is minimally intrusive and burdensome for Participants.

C. Confidentiality
 i. Overdose Prevention Centers shall collect, store, and disclose
 protected health information, data, and other Participant information
 and records in compliance with 42 C.F.R. Part 2, HIPAA, and all other
 applicable state and federal laws.
 ii. Overdose Prevention Centers shall comply with all state and federal
 laws regarding notification and reporting of breaches of protected
 health information.

D. Infection Control
 i. The Infection Control policy and procedures adopted in accordance
 with Section III.D. herein, shall include provisions governing the
 following topics:
 1. Infection surveillance;
 2. Reporting occurrences of Reportable and Communicable
 Diseases and other infections in accordance with federal and
 state law;
 3. Sanitization or disinfection of all Participant areas, as
 appropriate, including a process for ensuring sanitization of
 consumption spaces between Participants;
 4. Handling and disposal of hazardous and medical waste and
 contaminants;
 5. A process for responding to, reporting, and monitoring
 accidental needlesticks or other injuries from used drug tools;
 and
 6. Evaluating occurrences of infection to assess ways to prevent
 recurrent infections




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E. Physical Space
 i. Fixed Location
 1. Overdose Prevention Centers shall have the following areas in
 their fixed site locations:
 a. Registration and waiting area where Participants are
 greeted, wait for an available consumption area, and
 receive their orientation;
 b. Supplies area where supplies, including safer use
 supplies and tools, are made available to Participants
 for use in the consumption spaces and for use outside
 of the Overdose Prevention Center;
 c. A non-smoking consumption area for other methods of
 consumption, observed in accordance with the
 Observation policy adopted pursuant to Section
 II.B.i.32. herein;
 d. Post-consumption area, observed in accordance with
 the Observation policy adopted pursuant to Section
 II.B.i.32. herein;
 e. Medical intervention area where Staff and volunteers
 can provide additional health services, such as first aid
 and wound care first aid;
 f. Private consultation areas for Staff and volunteers to
 meet with Participants for referrals and other needs;
 and
 g. A secured area accessed only by Staff and volunteers
 for storage of supplies and equipment and other needs,
 such as a Staff break room.
 2. All consumption areas shall be laid out to ensure Overdose
 Prevention Specialists can Observe Participants in accordance
 with the OPC’s Observation Policy.
 3. The spaces within the Overdose Prevention Center shall
 permit unimpeded access for emergency medical services.
 This shall include ensuring all doorways, hallways, and
 walkways are wide enough for ambulance stretchers and
 wheelchairs.
 4. The medical intervention area shall be able to accommodate
 multiple emergency responses at one time.
 5. The Overdose Prevention Center’s interior and exterior space
 shall be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.



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 6. All areas of the Overdose Prevention Center shall be well lit,
 except for areas serving Participants in need of dimly lit
 spaces. The Overdose Prevention Center shall have an
 emergency lighting system to ensure appropriate levels of light
 in the event the primary source of electricity is disrupted.
 7. Overdose Prevention Centers shall be designed such that
 Participants are not visible to people located outside the
 building.
 8. Overdose Prevention Centers shall have a secure storage area
 for Participants to use.
ii. Smoking Consumption Area
 1. Within twelve months of opening an Overdose Prevention
 Center, an Overdose Prevention Center shall have a smoking-
 consumption area that complies with the requirements of
 these guidelines.
 a. If an Overdose Prevention Center is unable to complete
 the work of building a compliant smoking-consumption
 area within this twelve-month period, the Overdose
 Prevention Center shall provide the following notice to
 the public and the Department:
 i. The Overdose Prevention Center smoking-
 consumption area is not complete; and
 ii. The specific date the compliant smoking-
 consumption area in the Overdose Prevention
 Center will be complete, which shall be no later
 than twelve months after the original twelve-
 month period.
 2. The smoking consumption area shall include:
 a. Non-porous and non-permeable chair and counter or
 table; and
 b. Hazardous waste disposal receptacles.
 3. If the smoking consumption area is inside of the building, there
 must be a mechanical ventilation system that runs at all times
 the Overdose Prevention Center is open for Participants or is
 occupied by Staff.
 a. The mechanical ventilation system serving the
 smoking-consumption area shall be separate from the
 ventilation system serving the rest of the Overdose
 Prevention Center building.
 b. The mechanical ventilation system for the smoking-
 consumption area shall be designed to ensure smoke


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 does not move into the non-smoking spaces of the
 building when people enter and exit the smoking-
 consumption area.
 c. The air from the smoking-consumption area shall be
 ventilated directly outside of the building. Air from the
 smoking consumption area shall not be recirculated
 through the Overdose Prevention Center building.
 d. The smoking-consumption area shall be sufficiently
 separated from non-smoking areas of the Overdose
 Prevention Center such that smoke from the smoking-
 consumption area does not negatively impact the air
 quality for the surrounding, non-smoking areas.
 4. If the smoking-consumption area at the OPC is not inside of
 the OPC building, the OPC shall ensure that the smoking
 consumption of substances at the OPC does not impact the
 air quality for the rest of the Overdose Prevention Center’s
 fixed-site location, for neighboring buildings, or for the public.
 iii. Mobile Location.
 1. Mobile units shall adhere to the standards described in parts
 2-4 and 6-8 of Section III.E.i., herein.
 2. Staff in mobile units shall be able to observe Participants in
 accordance with the OPC’s Observation policy adopted
 pursuant to Section II.B.i.32. herein.
 3. Mobile units shall ensure that they have a potable source of
 water and sufficient plumbing for handwashing for
 Participants.
 4. Mobile units shall ensure that phone service is available at all
 locations where the unit stops in the event emergency services
 must be called to serve Participants.
 5. Smoking-consumption is not permitted inside of a mobile unit.

F. Equipment and Supplies
 i. Overdose Prevention Centers shall have the following equipment on
 site:
 1. Safer-smoke supplies
 2. Safer-snort supplies
 3. Safer-injection supplies including syringes
 4. Drug-preparation tools
 5. Saline and distilled water for drug preparation
 6. Naloxone



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 7. Self-inflating bag valve mask
 8. Pulse-oximeters
 9. Automated external defibrillator (AED)
 10. Handwashing stations
 11. Personal protective equipment for Staff and volunteers
 12. Hospital-grade disinfectant cleaning supplies to be used in all
 areas of the Overdose Prevention Center
 13. Hazardous waste disposal equipment, including sharps
 disposal and fire-proof ash disposal for smoking-consumption
 areas
 14. Ash and other smoking litter disposal equipment
 15. Fire extinguishers
 16. Drug-checking equipment, including test strips or Fourier-
 transform infrared spectroscopy and associated materials
 and
 17. Appropriate equipment to effectively log required Participant
 data.
 ii. Drug-checking services must be in compliance with the Vermont
 Community Drug-Checking Program Guidelines.
 iii. All furniture in consumption and medical intervention areas of the
 Overdose Prevention Center must be nonporous and nonpermeable.
 iv. All equipment shall be stored in a safe manner, including storage of
 oxygen tanks away from sources of heat and flame.
 v. Handwashing stations shall be readily available to Participants
 throughout the Overdose Prevention Center. The non-smoking
 consumption area shall have sufficient handwashing stations to allow
 Participants to use the stations while not disrupting the flow of the
 Overdose Prevention Center.

G. Security
 i. Overdose Prevention Centers shall comply with policies for security
 and coordination with emergency medical services, hospitals, fire
 and law enforcement agencies, as developed in accordance with
 Section II.B., herein.
 ii. Security measures shall, at a minimum, address the following:
 1. Ensuring Participants can enter and exit the Overdose
 Prevention Center safely;
 2. Ensuring entrances to the consumption areas are secured to
 ensure Overdose Prevention Center Staff and volunteers can




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 control the entrance and exit of Participants for the safety and
 well-being of all Participants, Staff and volunteers;
 3. Ensuring Participants have a safe location in the Overdose
 Prevention Center to store personal items when accessing the
 consumption and post consumption areas of the Overdose
 Prevention Center; and
 4. The location and use of security and panic alarms.
 iii. Staff and volunteers shall wear an identification badge with a photo
 that states at a minimum their name and position at the Overdose
 Prevention Center.
 1. The Responsible Person in Charge for each shift shall include
 on their identification badge that they are serving in that
 position.
 iv. The Overdose Prevention Centers shall establish a process for
 Participants entering and exiting the Center.

H. Emergency Protocols
 i. Overdose Prevention Centers shall comply with policies for
 responses to emergencies and for coordination with emergency
 medical services, hospitals, fire, and law enforcement agencies, as
 developed in accordance with Section II.B., herein.
 ii. Emergency policies and procedures shall clearly indicate the
 necessary steps to treat an overdose, including when to provide
 oxygen, to administer an opioid antagonist, and to call emergency
 services.
 1. Emergency policies and procedures shall address how to
 safely move a Participant from a smoking-consumption area to
 a non-smoking area of the building prior to use of oxygen.
 iii. All Overdose Prevention Center Staff and volunteers shall receive
 sufficient training on all emergency policies and procedures to ensure
 a safe environment for Participants, volunteers, and Staff members.
 iv. Overdose Prevention Centers shall develop a process to ensure
 Participants agree, prior to engagement in services at the Overdose
 Prevention Center, to comply with and adhere to the emergency
 protocols and procedures.




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IV. Staff and Training
A. Staffing
 i. During operating hours, Overdose Prevention Centers shall have
 trained professionals present in the building or mobile facility who
 can provide, at a minimum, basic medical care, such as CPR,
 overdose interventions, first aid, and wound care, and who can
 perform medical assessments of Participants to determine if there is
 a need for emergency medical service response.
 ii. Overdose Prevention Center Staff and volunteers, who provide
 services at an Overdose Prevention Center that require a state or
 federal license or registration to provide, shall hold the required
 license or registration. The license or registration shall be current and
 in good standing.

B. Staff
 i. Generally
 1. Overdose Prevention Centers shall employ or contract with a
 Medical Director, and shall employ an OPC Director and
 Overdose Prevention Specialists in accordance with these
 Guidelines and the policies adopted pursuant to Section II.B.
 2. Overdose Prevention Specialists
 a. Each Overdose Prevention Center shall maintain
 appropriate numbers of trained Overdose Prevention
 Specialists during operating hours.
 b. Overdose Prevention Centers shall maintain a ratio of
 Overdose Prevention Specialists that meets the
 requirements of the policy adopted in Section II.B. but
 there shall never be more than four Participants for
 every one Staff member in a consumption and post-
 consumption area.
 3. Responsible Person in Charge (RPIC)
 a. An Overdose Prevention Center shall ensure that there
 is a Responsible Person in Charge identified and
 present at the Overdose Prevention Center the entire
 time the Overdose Prevention Center is open.
 b. Any Staff member meeting the qualifications
 established in the policies developed pursuant to
 Section II.B.i.1., herein, may serve as the RPIC.
 Volunteers shall not serve as the RPIC.


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 ii. Medical Director
 1. The Medical Director shall be a physician licensed in
 accordance with 26 V.S.A. Chapter 23 or 26 V.S.A. Chapter 33,
 an advanced nurse practitioner licensed in accordance with 26
 V.S.A. Ch. 28, or a physician assistant licensed in accordance
 with 26 V.S.A. Ch. 31.
 2. The Medical Director shall be present at the Overdose
 Prevention Center at least five (5) hours per week and available
 for on-call responsibilities in accordance with the policy
 adopted pursuant to these Guidelines.
 3. The Medical Director shall provide general supervision to OPC
 Staff providing services to Participants.
 4. The Medical Director shall be responsible for the following
 within the Overdose Prevention Center:
 a. Developing training plans for each Overdose Prevention
 Center Staff member with direct Participant contact,
 including initial and ongoing training requirements;
 b. Ensuring each Overdose Prevention Center Staff
 member and volunteer is proficient in:
 i. Recognizing signs of overdose of opioids,
 stimulants, and other substances;
 ii. Responding to overdoses of opioids, stimulants,
 and other substances;
 iii. Infection control and infectious disease
 prevention protocols and practices; and
 iv. Other relevant trainings as required in policies
 established in accordance with Section II.B.,
 herein.
 c. Assisting with medically complex cases and providing
 support for wound care for Participants;
 d. Supporting the Administrative Body with the
 development and implementation of policies,
 protocols, and procedures; and
 e. Development of overdose response policies, protocols,
 and procedures.
iii. OPC Director
 1. The Overdose Prevention Center Director shall be proficient in
 operations, financial management, records management,
 personnel management, community development, and
 overdose response.



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 2. The Overdose Prevention Center Director is responsible for the
 following:
 a. Day-to-day operations of the Overdose Prevention
 Center;
 b. Managing Staff, ensuring the appropriate Staffing levels
 for each day, and adjusting Overdose Prevention Center
 Participant flow if there is a reduced Staffing capacity;
 c. Developing Staff and volunteer orientation policies,
 protocols, and procedures;
 d. Ensuring all Staff and volunteers have completed
 required trainings prior to working directly with
 Participants;
 e. Maintaining security measures for Participants, Staff,
 and volunteers; and
 f. Receiving and responding to community concerns.
iv. Overdose Prevention Specialists
 1. Overdose Prevention Specialists shall be responsible for
 a. Observing Participants in consumption areas, in
 accordance with the Observation policy adopted
 pursuant to Section II.B.;
 b. Observing Participants in post-consumption areas, in
 accordance with the Observation policy adopted
 pursuant to Section II.B.;
 c. Responding to overdoses in the Overdose Prevention
 Center in accordance with the policies adopted
 pursuant to Section II.B.; and
 d. Providing harm reduction, overdose prevention,
 infectious disease, sexually transmitted infections,
 drug tool disposal, and first aid education to
 Participants.
 v. Responsible Person in Charge
 1. There shall be a Responsible Person in Charge assigned and
 present during all hours of operation of the OPC.
 2. The Responsible Person in Charge is responsible for the
 following during their shift:
 a. Monitoring the ratio of Overdose Prevention Specialists
 to Participants in consumption and post-consumption
 spaces to ensure that the number of Participants never
 exceeds four for every one specialist;
 b. Monitoring the Overdose Prevention Center to ensure
 Participants’ needs are met and to minimize, to the


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 extent possible, the waiting time for Participants at the
 consumption spaces;
 c. Monitor compliance with Overdose Prevention Center
 policies and procedures by Participants, Staff, and
 volunteers;
 d. Ensuring the appropriate procedures are observed
 when Staff respond to an overdose; and,
 e. Maintaining appropriate safety of Participants, Staff,
 and volunteers.
 3. This role shall be integrated into all emergency and operational
 procedures for the Overdose Prevention Center.
 vi. Other Staff
 1. The Overdose Prevention Center may employ other Staff, as
 needed, including peers, case managers, medical
 professionals, and mental health counselors.
 2. Licensed Health Care Professionals
 a. If a licensed health care professional is employed by,
 contracts with, or volunteers at an Overdose Prevention
 Center to provide health care services within the scope
 of that licensed health care profession, the licensed
 health care professional shall hold a current license in
 that profession, in good standing, and in Vermont.
 b. Licensed health care professionals employed by,
 contracting with, or volunteering at an Overdose
 Prevention Center shall practice competently, provide
 safe and acceptable care to Participants, and provide
 care that conforms to the essential standards of
 acceptable and prevailing practice.

C. Training
 i. Required Training for All Staff
 1. All Overdose Prevention Center Staff and volunteers are required to
 satisfactorily complete training in the following areas as part of their
 orientation and at regular intervals, thereafter, as determined by the
 Administrative Body, Medical Director, and Overdose Prevention
 Center Director in the policy established pursuant to Section II.B.,
 herein:
 a. Proper use of the equipment and supplies listed in Section
 III.F.
 b. CPR



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 c. AED use
 d. Administration of opioid antagonists
 e. De-escalation
 f. Stigma related to substance use
 g. Translation services
 h. Monitoring and assessing oxygen levels
 i. Infection control and infectious disease prevention
 j. Collection, disposal, and transportation of hazardous waste
 k. Storage and handling of drug tools and other drug use
 equipment
 l. Obtaining informed consent
 m. The ASAM levels of care
 n. Substance use and mental health resources in Vermont,
 including use of VT Helplink’s website
 o. Participant confidentiality, including 42 CFR Part 2, HIPAA,
 and other applicable Federal and State laws
 p. Any other trainings as determined by the Administrative
 Body, Medical Director, or Overdose Prevention Center
 Director.
ii. Required Training for Medical Director, Overdose Prevention Center
 Director, and Overdose Prevention Specialists:
 1. In addition to the trainings set forth in subsection (i), the Medical
 Director, Overdose Prevention Center Director, Overdose
 Prevention Specialists, and any other positions engaging with
 Participants in consumption and post-consumption areas shall
 complete training in the following areas in accordance with the
 policies adopted pursuant to Section II.B., herein:
 a. Harm-reduction practices and safer-use skills
 b. How to educate Participants on harm reduction practices
 and safer use skills
 c. Identification and response to overdoses of all drug classes
 and of different complexities
 d. Mental health first aid
 e. First aid and wound-care first aid
 f. Overdose safety assessments, including assessing when a
 Participant can safely leave the Overdose Prevention Center
 without risk of overdose from consumption at the Overdose
 Prevention Center
 g. Safer sex practices
 h. How to educate Participants on safer sex practices



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 i. How to conduct HIV, hepatitis, and sexually transmitted
 infections screenings and communicating results
 j. How to report communicable diseases to the Health
 Department in alignment with the Reportable and
 Communicable Diseases Rule
 k. Community drug-checking and result delivery in accordance
 with state and federal laws
 l. Withdrawal management when an opioid antagonist is
 administered to a Participant on site
 m. Culturally appropriate care
 n. Trauma-informed care
 o. Person-centered approaches


V. Provision of Services
A. Rights of Participants
 i. Code of Conduct.
 1. The Code of Conduct developed by the Administrative Body, in
 accordance with Section II.B., herein, shall be posted within
 the Overdose Prevention Center in a conspicuous location.
 2. A written copy of the Code of Conduct and the consequences
 of failing to observe the Code of Conduct shall be provided to
 each Participant during their orientation. Overdose Prevention
 Specialists or other specified Staff shall review with the
 Participant the Code of Conduct and the potential
 consequences of violating the Code of Conduct.
 3. The Code of Conduct shall be translated into at least the
 following languages:
 a. Arabic
 b. Burmese
 c. Dari
 d. French
 e. Kirundi
 f. Nepali
 g. Pashto
 h. Somali
 i. Spanish
 j. Swahili
 k. Vietnamese
 ii. Grievance Policies and Procedures


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 1. Grievance policies and procedures developed by the
 Administrative Body, in accordance with Section II.B., herein,
 shall be posted in a conspicuous location within the Overdose
 Prevention Center.
 2. Grievance policies and procedures shall be provided to
 Participants during their orientation to the Overdose
 Prevention Center.

B. Participant Eligibility
 i. The Overdose Prevention Centers shall develop a policy regarding
 Ineligibility Criteria in accordance with Section II.B.
 ii. The Overdose Prevention Center shall also establish a process for
 screening Participants to determine whether any of the Ineligibility
 Criteria apply.
 iii. Participants shall not be asked to present identification to be eligible
 for services.
 iv. The Ineligibility Criteria and screening process developed pursuant to
 Section II.B. shall be posted conspicuously at the registration area of
 the Overdose Prevention Center.
 v. When a Participant arrives at an Overdose Prevention Center, they
 shall first be screened for Ineligibility Criteria by a Staff person, who
 has been trained in accordance with these operating guidelines and
 Overdose Prevention Center policies.
 1. After completion of the screening process, the Staff person
 who conducted the screening will determine whether the
 Participant is eligible for services at the Overdose Prevention
 Center.
 2. If the Staff person conducting the screening determines the
 Participant is not eligible for services, the Participant may file a
 grievance in accordance with the grievance policies and
 procedures established by the Overdose Prevention Center.
 3. If the Participant is deemed eligible for services, the
 Participant shall be provided with a Participant orientation.
 4. A Participant deemed ineligible for services may be deemed
 eligible for services at a later date.
 vi. The policy for denial of services developed in accordance with
 Section II.B., herein, shall include protocols for addressing the needs
 of Participants who cannot self-inject or who are overly intoxicated
 and other circumstances that make a Participant ineligible for
 services. The policies shall consider the personal and professional



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 liability of the individual Staff and the whole Overdose Prevention
 Center.

C. Participant Orientation
 i. After a Staff member determines that a Participant is eligible to
 receive services from the Overdose Prevention Center, an orientation
 to the Overdose Prevention Center and services shall be provided by
 the Overdose Prevention Center Staff to the Participant.
 ii. The orientation shall include the following:
 1. The mission and value statements of the Overdose Prevention
 Center
 2. Services provided at the Overdose Prevention Center
 3. Services available through consultation and referral
 4. Participant Code of Conduct and potential consequences for
 violating the Code of Conduct
 5. Overdose Prevention Center policies and procedures,
 including
 a. Emergency Procedures
 b. Drug usage and sharing policy
 c. Disposal of paraphernalia
 d. Confidentiality and anonymity
 e. Participant termination criteria and Grievance process
 f. Security
 iii. Participants shall agree to the Emergency Procedures prior to
 receiving services.
 iv. Participants shall receive their Participant ID following completion of
 their orientation.
 1. The Participant ID is intended to allow anonymity of the
 Participant while allowing the Overdose Prevention Center the
 ability to track the Participant’s Overdose Prevention Center
 use and medical and other referrals. This will facilitate
 effective follow-up and wrap around support of Participants.


VI. Required Services
 i. General
 1. Overdose Prevention Centers shall provide the following
 services, at a minimum:
 i. Observation of consumption of pre-obtained
 substances through injection, snorting, or ingestion;



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 ii. In accordance with III.E.ii.1, observation of pre-
 obtained substances through smoking; and
 iii. Post-consumption observation and assessment of
 safety following consumption.
2. Overdose response including observing oxygen levels,
 administering opioid antagonists, responding to
 overheating and seizures, and calling emergency medical
 services;
3. Education on safer use, harm reduction, and overdose
 prevention practices;
4. Education on overdose responses including responses to
 opioid, stimulant, and multi-substance overdoses;
5. Provision of supplies for safer use and harm reduction
 practices including:
 i. Safer-smoke supplies
 ii. Safer-snort supplies
 iii. Safer-injection supplies, including syringes
 iv. Drug-preparation tools
 v. Opioid antagonists
6. Education on disposal of use tools including syringes;
7. Collection and secured disposal of hazardous materials,
 including hypodermic needles and syringes, other injection
 equipment, and other drug-consumption tools;
8. Education on safer sex practices;
9. Provision of safer sex supplies, including condoms and
 lubrication;
10. Infectious disease education;
11. HIV, HCV, and STI screenings;
12. First aid;
13. Wound-care first aid;
14. Drug-checking;
15. Support using VT Helplink services; and
16. Referrals to:
 i. Substance use treatment services
 ii. Substance use recovery services
 iii. Harm reduction organizations
 iv. Wound care services
 v. Primary care, dental, infectious disease providers,
 and other medical services
 vi. Housing, nutritional support, and other social
 services


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 vii. Legal aid services
 viii. Mental health service
ii. Referrals
 1. Overdose Prevention Centers shall establish direct referral
 processes through which the Overdose Prevention Center
 contacts the agency being referred to on behalf of the
 Participant to reduce the burden on the Participant to
 initiate the engagement.
 2. The direct referral processes shall include informed
 consent by the Participant and align with federal regulation
 regarding sharing of protected health information.
 3. The Overdose Prevention Center shall maintain a record of
 referrals made on behalf of a Participant. The record shall
 be maintained separately from the Participant’s Overdose
 Prevention Center record. The record shall contain the
 Participant’s ID, the Participant’s name, and any other
 information needed to make the referral. The record shall
 be maintained in accordance with the Confidentiality
 policy established pursuant to Section II.B. of these
 Guidelines and subject to Section III.C herein.
 4. Overdose Prevention Centers shall establish direct referral
 processes with at least the following service providers in
 their geographic region:
 i. Hub provider
 ii. Infectious disease provider
 iii. Mental health agency
 5. Overdose Prevention Centers shall establish an evaluation
 process with direct referral agencies to identify the number
 of direct referrals made by the Overdose Prevention Center
 that resulted in at least one appointment by the
 Participant.
 6. Overdose Prevention Centers shall have an established
 shared response protocol with the mental health crisis
 team serving in the Center’s geographic region.




 30

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Burlington
Overdose Prevention Center
Proposal
Presented to Burlington City Council • April 14, 2025




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Burlington OPC Work Session
Guiding our conversation around implementation and
compliance for a vote of approval on April 28th




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 Overview of Proposal
• Partnership between City of Burlington and VCJR
• Project Proposal with phased implementation
  aligned with Act 178 (2024) and VDH Guidelines
• Emphasis on community engagement and public
  health




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 Project Funding Summary
 This pilot program is funded through the Vermont Opioid Abatement Special
 Fund, consistent with state priorities and national opioid settlement guidance.


• Section 2 of Act No. 178 appropriates for Fiscal Year 2025 $1.1 million to VDH for the
  purpose of awarding grants to the City for establishing an OPC upon submission of a
  grant proposal that has been approved by the City Council and that meets the
  requirements of 18 V.S.A. § 4256 and the Guidelines.

• Section 2 also expresses the General Assembly’s intention to continue appropriating
  funds for the same purpose through Fiscal Year 2028.



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VCJR is uniquely suited to implement Burlington's OPC due to its trusted
relationships with the target population and deep roots in harm
reduction and public health.

  • Operates a low-barrier recovery center in downtown Burlington
  • Has extensive experience with overdose prevention, wound care,
 and peer support
  • Partners with organizations such as Johnson Health Center, Vermont
 CARES, Pathways Vermont, and Howard Center
  • Employs staff with lived experience and proven success in
 supporting individuals with substance use disorder
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LOI Proposal Review
Committee
• Theresa Vezina, Special Assistant on OPC
  Implementation
• Joe Magee, Deputy Chief of Staff
• Sarah Russell, Special Assistant to End
  Homelessness
• Jennifer Tomczak, Burlington Board of Health
• Judy Rivers, Burlington Board of Health
• Lacey Smith, Assistant Director of CAIP @ BPD
• Chief LaChance, Burlington Fire Department
• Martina Anderson, Director of
  Communications VAMHAR
• Elly Riser, MD, MPH UVM Health Network
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 Key Compliance Areas
 (Act 178 & VDH Guidelines)
• Governance and Administrative Structure
• Service Assessment
• Required Policies and Procedures
• Site Readiness and Zoning
• Staffing Ratios and Training
• Emergency Protocols
• Data Collection, Reporting, and Evaluation

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 Phased Implementation Summary



Phase 1: Planning & Phase 2: Operations • Secure Site
 • Service Assessment
 Capacity Building & Compliance • Staffing
 • Community Engagement
 • Equipment
 • Policy Development
 Months 1-12 Months 9-18 • Training
 • Site Selection
 • Security
 • Supervised Use
 • Data & Reporting
 • Evaluation
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Phase 1: Service Assessment
• Engagement with people who use drugs
• Community & stakeholder outreach
• Overdose trends & hot spot data
• Neighborhood assessment
• Final Service Assessment report




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Phase 1:
Site Selection & Facility Planning
 • Site Aquisition Plan
 • Real estate market assessment
 • Accessibility, zoning, ADA
 compliance
 • Preliminary facility design
 • City support on entitlements
 • Community engagement
 • Be a Good neighbor

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Phase 2: Site Setup & Service Launch

 Site Approved by Council & Secured
 Equipment, Supplies, Staffing

 Emergency protocol training, security, final intake process

 Submit all compliance documents 90 days prior to launch




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Required Services & Staffing
• Supervised use, wound care, drug checking
• Infectious disease counseling and reporting
• Substance Use Treatment Services & referrals
• Peer support, referrals, overdose response
• Licensed medical staff, trained overdose prevention
  specialists
• HIPAA and 42 CFR compliance



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Evaluation & Data Reporting

• Monthly & Quarterly Reports to VDH
• Annual Public Reports
• Aggregate de-identified data
• Participation in Act 178 Public Health Impact Study




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Next Steps & Shared Commitments
  City Council Vote on Proposal April
  Submit City Council Approved Proposal to VDH

  Continued engagement with City Council is critical

  Transparent communication with community & ongoing engagment

  Ongoing partnership between VCJR & City

  Continue aligning with VDH guidelines


 Page 74 of 75
 Thank you for your support.

 Contact Us

Theresa Vezina, Special Assistant on OPC - tvezina@burlingtonvt.gov

 Tom Dalton, Executive Director VCJR - tom@vcjr.org

 Jess Kirby, Program Director VCJR- jess@vcjr.org

  Sarah Ashley Simmons, Service Coordinator VCJR- sas@vcjr.org
 Page 75 of 75

Public Safety Committee
 Thursday, May 29, 2025
 Remote via Zoom/In-Person in Champlain Room, 3rd Floor, City Hall, Burlington,
 Vermont
 DRAFT MINUTES

Members Present: Melo Grant (Chair), Mark Barlow

Staff Present: Hayley McClenahan (Assistant City Attorney), Michael LaChance (Fire Chief),
Michael Curtin (BFD Battalion Chief), Shannon Trammell (BPD Executive Manager)

Public Present:

Meeting called to order at 5:33 PM by Councilor Grant.

1. Adopt the Agenda
 1.01 Adopt the Agenda

Motion to Adopt Agenda as written.

Motion by Councilor Barlow, Seconded by Councilor Grant
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yes: Unanimous

2. Adopt Minutes
 2.01 Motion to Adopt Draft Minutes from April 17, 2025

Motion to Adopt Agenda as written.

Motion by Councilor Barlow, Seconded by Councilor Grant
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yes: Unanimous


3. Public Forum
 3.01 Verbal Comments

No action was taken.

Public forum closed at 5:35.

4. Chiefs’ Oral Reports
 4.01 Police

Executive Manager Trammell discussed Chief Burke’s ideas for the chief’s report going forward
and recruitment and retention strategies. No action was taken.
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 4.02 Fire

Chief LaChance reviewed the latest response data from the Fire Department. No action taken.

5. Data from State’s Attorney
 5.01 Data from State’s Attorney

Councilor Grant reviewed the latest caseload data from the State’s Attorney’s Office. No action
was taken.

6. Urban Park Ranger Information
 6.01 Reminders about Camping in Parks

Councilor Grant, in anticipation of more activity in the summer months, stated that where posted,
camping is not allowed in parks, and people have 2 hours to vacate from when they are notified
of the violation. Councilor Barlow added that camping activity can be reported through
SeeClickFix. No action was taken.

7. Sheltering on Public Lands Policy
 7.01 Sheltering on Public Lands Policy

The Committee stated there would be a review of this item at a future meeting. No action was
taken.

8. Overdose Prevention Center – Next Steps
 8.01 Overdose Prevention Center – Next Steps

The Committee discussed how the location of the Overdose Prevention Center would be a
community-driven process. No action was taken.

9. Chair Comments on Public Safety Resolutions
 9.01 Chair Comments on Public Safety Resolutions

Councilor Grant and Councilor Barlow shared comments on the public safety resolution passed
by the City Council on May 19.

No action was taken.

10. Upcoming Meeting Dates
 10.01 Upcoming Meeting Dates

The Committee set the next meeting dates for June 26, July 24, and August 28. No action was
taken.

11. Adjournment
 Page 2 of 3
 11.01 Motion to Adjourn

Motion to adjourn the meeting.

Motion by Councilor Barlow, Seconded by Councilor Grant
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yes: Unanimous

The meeting was adjourned at 6:52 PM.




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