Policing Implications of Cannabis, Amphetamine and Other Illicit Drug Use in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities

• NCJ Number: 226206
• Author(s): Brendan Delahunty; Judy Putt
• Date Published: 2006
• Length: 178 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: National Drug Law Enforcement Research Fund (NDLERF)
• Sale Source: National Drug Law Enforcement Research Fund (NDLERF)
• Publication Format: Book (Softbound)
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Analysis
• Language: English
• Country: Australia
• Note: Monograph Series No. 15; downloaded March 11, 2009.

Annotation

This report provides guidance for Australian police in addressing and preventing the use of and harms caused by cannabis, amphetamine, and other illicit drug use in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in rural and remote areas of the country.

Abstract

Research reported in this monograph indicates that cannabis and alcohol use are prevalent and problematic among residents of these remote areas. Even community leaders and influential residents are involved in using and/or selling illicit drugs. Although amphetamine use is still relatively rare in these areas, the new drug network currently supplying cannabis to remote areas could lead to a rapid expansion of the availability of amphetamine and other illicit drugs in the near future. These trends spawn drug-related crimes and the diversion of meager individual, family, and community economic resources to drug dealers. Legislative and police operational responses to these problems must be sensitive to the sociocultural features of these remote communities. This involves working with responsible local leaders and residents who can provide insight into and assistance in identifying and interpreting local needs and behaviors. Promising local community and police initiatives include night patrols, the involvement of community leaders in determining police responses to drug-influenced behavior, the focusing of police resources on offenses of greatest concern to the community, a permanent police presence in remote areas, and increased resources for measures that improve the quality of life in remote areas. Some examples of strategic policies and programs are offered in this monograph. These include the recommendations of high-level government inquiries into relevant issues and statewide government responses that can provide direction for needed changes in addressing substance use and related problems at the local level in rural and remote areas. Extensive tables, figures, 175 references, and an appended survey questionnaire