Drugs and Criminal Justice: A Harm Reduction Perspective (From Reduction of Drug-Related Harm, P 15-29, 1992, P.A. O'Hare, R. Newcombe, eds. et al., - See NCJ-138254)

• NCJ Number: 138255
• Author(s): G Pearson
• Date Published: 1992
• Length: 15 pages
• Sale Source: Routledge
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United Kingdom

Annotation

The concept of harm reduction, generally used in the contexts of health education and health care, should be applied to drug enforcement, criminal justice, and the penal system in Great Britain.

Abstract

In the criminal justice field, harm reduction would be organized under four principles. The recruitment of new drug users would be minimized through effective and focused low-level policing, in conjunction with other prevention strategies. Existing drug users would be encouraged to take early retirement from their drug-using careers and to enter treatment programs, including methadone maintenance. Arrest referral schemes, diversion programs, and other community-based corrections would minimize the counterproductive aspects of law enforcement by reducing the use of custody and enhancing the prospects of rehabilitation. Finally, harm to the wider community would be minimized through reductions in drug-related crimes. The broader application of harm reduction requires a recognition of the different forms of health risk, social and emotional harm, financial harm, and legal harm that may result from drug use; the harm that results to the drug user's family, friends, and community; and the harm that may result from drug enforcement activities. 42 references