Reduce Crime, Law Enforcement & Corrections Costs
Contents
Reducing opioid misuse is not only beneficial to those who might otherwise suffer from addiction and overdose (and their loved ones), but it also has important benefits for communities and society at large. There are many ways that communities suffer when opioid addiciton is high--including higher rates of crime, high stress (and cost) for law enforcement and other first responders, and a high cost of the justice and corrections system (even if they are adopting practices that support treatment and recovery). These costs impact every citizen, so clearly communicating the value of reducing these negative impacts should help build support for investing in the strategies to achieve success.
Background
Many studies have shown a link between drug use and crime and that drug users participate in riskier behavior.[1]
- Heroin addicts participate in a higher proportion of criminal activity outside of the crimes specific to drug possession than other drug users.
- Generally the more an addict uses the more crime they commit.[2]
- These drug-related crimes take an economic toll on the criminal justice system. A recent article from the American Academy of Pain Medicine reports that opioid misuse cost the criminal justice system $5.1 billion.[3]
Law Enforcement Accidental Overdoses
With the distribution of fentanyl, a powerful opioid that can be lethal in small amounts, law enforcement officers are now at risk of overdose.[4] Fentanyl overdoses can occur by:
This rise of fentanyl cases will be very costly to law enforcement.
Types of Crimes
Different types of drug related criminal offenses
- Alcohol and substance-defined – This means that the person violates the law regarding or providing the manufacture, distribution, use, or possession of alcohol and illicit substances. Examples may include providing alcohol to minors, production, sales, or distribution of illegal drugs, or illegal drug possession.[7]
- Alcohol and drug-related – These include violations of the law because someone is trying to get money to pay for drugs or alcohol or breaking the law because they are under the influence. Examples here may include violence against friends and family, stealing in order to nurse a habit, vandalism, fights, or a DWI charge.[8]
- Lifestyle – Law violations directly related to living a lifestyle where the person may not have a source of income or job and is repeatedly exposed to individuals and situations that promote crime. Examples include relationships developed through the use of illicit substances, meaning the user has more chances to violate the law and learn illegal skills from other offenders.[9]
Current Crime Reduction Efforts in Other Countries
Link to Summary of Crime Reduction Efforts in Other Countries.
Tools + Resources
TR - Reduce Crime Due to Opioid Misuse & Law Enforcement Costs
Scorecard Building
Potential Objective Details
Potential Measures and Data Sources
Potential Actions and Partners
Resources to Investigate
More RTI on Opioid Misuse & Law Enforcement Costs
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Sources
- ^ Saadatmand, Toma, & Choquette, 2012; Grogger & Willis, 2000; Gordon et al., 2013.
- ^ Gordon et al., 2013; Blom Nilsson et al., 2014; Hucklesby, 2010
- ^ Birnbaum HG, White AG, Schiller M., Waldman T, Cleveland JM, and Roland CL. Societal costs of prescription opioid abuse, dependence, and misuse in the United States. Pain Medicine 2011; 12: 657-667. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21392250
- ^ http://www.cnn.com/2017/05/16/health/police-fentanyl-overdose-trnd/?iid=ob_article_footer_expansion]
- ^ http://www.cnn.com/2017/05/16/health/police-fentanyl-overdose-trnd/?iid=ob_article_footer_expansion]
- ^ http://www.cnn.com/2017/05/16/health/police-fentanyl-overdose-trnd/?iid=ob_article_footer_expansion]
- ^ https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/principles-drug-abuse-treatment-criminal-justice-populations/introduction
- ^ https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/principles-drug-abuse-treatment-criminal-justice-populations/introduction
- ^ https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/principles-drug-abuse-treatment-criminal-justice-populations/introduction
