NCJ Number
125216
Date Published
1988
Length
78 pages
Annotation
Interviews with criminal justice and social service personnel in 27 locations in Scotland formed the basis of this analysis of the attitudes and experiences of the agency personnel involved in responding to the problems of public drunkenness and other alcohol problems.
Abstract
The research included 307 interviews, including 95 in a pilot study initiated in 1982 and 212 in more extended research between November 1983 and May 1985. The participants agreed that alcohol abuse is a major social problem that contributes significantly to their workloads. However, police and criminal justice personnel were less likely than others to view excessive drinking as a serious social problem. They also responded to public drunkenness in varying ways, based partly on the characteristics of the problem drinker. All groups interviewed agreed that the current responses to alcohol problems are inadequate and that further efforts should coordinate resources both inside and outside the public sector. They also agreed on the need for further training regarding alcohol problems. Results also suggested the need for joint initiatives and coordinated policymaking. Tables, cartoon, notes, 58 references, and list of other reports from the same organization.