Police Drug Diversion: A Study of Criminal Offending Outcomes

• NCJ Number: 224682
• Author(s): Jason Payne; Max Kwiatkowski; Joy Wundersitz
• Date Published: 2008
• Length: 104 pages
• Sale Source: Australian Institute of Criminology
• Publication Format: Book (Softbound)
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: Australia
• Note: AIC Research and Public Policy Series; downloaded November 12, 2008.

Annotation

This Australian study examined the recidivism of individuals diverted by the police from formal case processing after being arrested for the use or possession of specified illicit drugs or the illicit use of prescription drugs.

Abstract

The findings show that in all Australian States and Territories, the majority of those assigned to such diversion programs had no recent history of offending nor did they return to the criminal justice system in the 18 months after their diversion. Although these rates of contact with the criminal justice system varied significantly within and among jurisdictions, comparative analysis indicates that the impact of diversion was similar for like groups of offenders, regardless of the jurisdiction in which they were diverted. Between 70 and 86 percent of first-time offenders did not recidivate within 18 months; and between 53 and 66 percent of prior offenders committed fewer offenses after their diversion than in the period before their diversion. These findings suggest that the outcomes of police drug diversion are generally positive; however, absent an identifiable control group and the lack of sufficient information on the health and treatment interventions offered in each jurisdiction prevented determining whether these positive outcomes could be sustained over the long term. Longitudinal research that combines both criminal justice and health outcomes is needed. Common features of the diversion programs assessed are reliance on the police as the referral source; a focus on individuals detected in possession of minor amounts of drugs and/or drug implements; and an assessment and, where appropriate, attendance at one or more treatment sessions by accredited treatment agencies. All of the programs operate throughout the jurisdiction. The study obtained data from each jurisdiction that pertained to the pre-diversion and post-diversion criminal offending by a sample of diverted offenders. 25 tables, 9 figures, and appended summary of police drug diversion programs in each jurisdiction