WA Cannabis Cautioning and Mandatory Education System (From Reducing Criminality--Partnerships and Best Practices, P 1-13, 2000, Adam Graycar, ed. -- See NCJ-186333)

• NCJ Number: 186349
• Author(s): Ed Benier
• Date Published: 2000
• Length: 13 pages
• Sale Source: Australian Institute of Criminology
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Program/Project Description
• Language: English
• Country: Australia

Annotation

This paper describes the WA Cannabis Cautioning and Mandatory Education (CCMES) system in Western Australia.

Abstract

The paper describes the background and proposal for a cannabis cautioning system in Western Australia, examines the major principles behind the style of intervention used, as well as benefits identified by police and others during the pilot phase, and highlights some case examples of how the system is working even in very difficult situations. Goals and objectives of the CCMES are to: achieve a more effective way of dealing with people caught in the criminal justice system for first time simple cannabis offenses; improve knowledge and attitudes regarding cannabis use by offenders; and improve police procedures, including a more streamlined process and more positive interaction with offenders. The article concludes that the CCMES is changing some individuals’ behavior and is moving them away from using drugs. Figures