Researching the Relationship Between Drugs and Crime (From Proceedings of the Institute of Criminology Seminar on Drugs and Crime, P 45-51, 1985 - See NCJ-101248)

• NCJ Number: 101250
• Author(s): J Sutton
• Date Published: 1986
• Length: 7 pages
• Sale Source: New South Wales
• Publication Type: Conference Material
• Language: English
• Country: Australia

Annotation

This paper describes drug-crime research subjects and methodologies used by the New South Wales Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research, current research developments, and the interaction between research and drug enforcement policy.

Abstract

Current research on the drug-crime link pertains to heroin addiction among imprisoned property offenders and crime involvement and drug distribution procedures among a sample of addicts contacted through rehabilitation and referral agencies. Research methods include surveys, individual interviews, analyses of official statistics, and ethnographic studies. Data collection needs include nationwide statistics on drug offense sentencing, medical statistics on drug-related treatment and deaths, and surveys to determine citizen drug use. A multidisciplinary approach is required to address all aspects of the drug-crime link. The New South Wales government has made initial funds available to study drug distribution patterns. Research important to drug law enforcement and drug abuse prevention pertains to the social background of drug addicts, the kinds of education that reduce drug consumption, the impact of legal sanctions on drug use and trafficking, and the effectiveness of various rehabilitation programs.