DRUG LINK TO CRIME
A recent study of detainees held in police custody throughout Australia has confirmed that at least one third link their illicit drug addiction to the crime causing their arrest.
Six out of ten males charged with the most serious crimes tested positive to illicit drugs.
The most common illicit drug found in police detention prisoners was cannabis with first cannabis use at age 14 which was PRIOR to their first arrest for any criminal offence.
An average of 55 per cent of males and 53 percent of females tested positive for cannabis with the 18 to 20 year age group having high cannabis use.
Two out of three police prisoners had obtained illicit drugs in the last month before arrest.
The study surveyed 4500 police prisoners in 9 sites across Australia.
(Source: Australian Institute of Criminology at www.aic.gov.au)
The Drug Advisory Council of Australia Comments-
The link between illicit drug use and crime which has been known for some time is clearly confirmed by this recent report.
The report indicates that ONLY 14 per cent of police prisoners are in any form of drug treatment either effective or ineffective.
Australia MUST divert ALL illicit drug users in police custody into detoxification and rehabilitation to get them free of their drug use.
Police custody provides an excellent opportunity for diversion by courts and supervision during rehabilitation to cease illicit drug use.
Australia must follow other countries that use court ordered and supervised detoxification and rehabilitation for illicit drug use.
More detoxification & rehabilitation that gets illicit drug users drug free.
Court ordered and supervised detoxification & rehabilitation.
Less illicit drug users, drug pushers and drug related crimes.
22/2007