The Bunk Police has had a long, and at times rocky, history with Electric Forest. In many ways, we consider it the birthplace of The Bunk Police. Our founder, Adam, first attended in 2011, carrying a single backpack of test kits, and the intention to test as many substances as possible for anyone who might need it. Since then, our organization has returned year after year, growing in reach and impact with the same mission in mind—to help keep as many people safe as possible. Unfortunately, that mission has not always been easy to fulfill at Forest.
Electric Forest 2025: Bunk Police Recap
This came to a head last year, when we were removed from the premises multiple times, with the RAVE Act being cited as the reason why. The RAVE Act, passed in 2003, broadly holds property owners and event organizers liable if they knowingly allow drug use at their events. However, the RAVE Act has never been used to successfully prosecute an event organizer due to harm reduction services being present.
Providing access to harm reduction does not mean drug use is encouraged, nor is it even explicitly acknowledging drug use is occurring. It is simply ensuring that if someone chooses to consume drugs, they have access to the tools and information to help avoid accidental overdose or drug-related fatality. Confusing harm reduction with drug promotion is not only inaccurate, it’s dangerous. To top it off,the DEA, Department of Justice, and CDC have all explicitly stated that the RAVE Act does not apply to harm reduction or drug test kits. This is an essential public health service, not a liability. We believe keeping people safe should never be controversial.
This year, Electric Forest seemed to agree, and we’re happy to report a successful weekend of serving our Forest Family once again! From the moment we arrived for early entry on Tuesday, the difference was abundantly clear. We passed through security without an issue, and flowed in alongside the excited wave of festivalgoers, feeling the energy in the air buzzing with anticipation. When we reached our assigned row, we realized our camp location was not ideal for visibility or foot traffic. But, as always, the Forest provides. Our incredible neighbor, Nate, was more than willing to swap spots to help support the cause and the community. Thank you, Nate! You helped to make our weekend as successful as possible.
As Tuesday turned into Wednesday, we couldn’t help but brace ourselves, half-expecting security or police to show up at any moment. Every golf cart rolling by felt like it might be the one bringing another shutdown. However, as the days went on, so did our sense of peace. Not once throughout the entire weekend were we questioned or harassed. In fact, multiple security and police officers approached us, not to shut us down, but to thank us for being there. The shift was drastic and deeply appreciated. This is how it should be, and we were so grateful for the warm reception and support throughout the weekend.
Harm Reduction Initiatives at Electric Forest 2025
Since we could fully focus on our harm reduction mission this year, we were able to execute several different initiatives and new ways to reach the community. Throughout the five days we were present, we proudly served and educated hundreds of festival goers, providing them with the tools and knowledge needed to stay safer.
At our booth, we had FentKits, Spot Kits, SprayPack Kits, scales, and recovery Roll Kits available. We highlighted both our most essential and popular products to keep patrons safer throughout the festival and beyond. For those who couldn't make it to the booth or were unaware of the harm reduction options available, our on-foot team visited every campsite to ensure that anyone who needed a kit had access.
Accessibility is key, and we carried that theme throughout the weekend with one-on-one harm reduction education and giveaways in the Vendor Village and across the festival grounds. In these conversations, we walked people through our recommended process:
- Test with strips to detect dangerous adulterants like fentanyl.
- Test with reagents to verify the substance itself and check for additional adulterants.
- Review your results by comparing them to our lab-verified reaction videos on the Transparency Harm Reduction app.
- It’s a simple, effective process, and we were grateful for the opportunity to share it with so many of you face-to-face.
Lastly, we introduced new ways to interact and cultivate community throughout the weekend. We unveiled our photo wall, complete with a giant fentanyl test strip and reagent bottle for fun photo ops that help spread the message of harm reduction.
We also launched The Bunk Police Kit Quest, a festival-wide side quest that gave attendees the chance to explore, engage, and win free test kits. Thanks for participating and celebrating the power of drug safety!
Thank you to the Forest Family and Bunk Police Community
The true highlight of Electric Forest, as with every festival we attend, is meeting all of you. Nothing compares to the fulfilling, one-on-one interactions we have with our community. Hearing your stories, feeling your support, and learning how these kits have saved lives drives us to continue what we’re doing. As we told many of you this past weekend, it’s because of people like you, who share your experiences, spread the word, and advocate for harm reduction, that real change is happening. We couldn’t do this without you. Your support is what keeps us going.
Electric Forest 2025 was a reminder of what’s possible when harm reduction is welcomed instead of feared. We showed up with open arms and open minds, and so did you. From meaningful conversations to life-saving tools, this year was everything we hoped it could be and more. We’re walking away inspired, energized, and more committed than ever to this mission. Thank you to the Forest Family!
