Abstract:
Over the last two decades drug use has greatly
increased. As a result increasing numbers find
themselves in police detention:
most of these detainees are vulnerable
individuals and the recognition of their
substance misuse problem is now perceived
[in the UK] as important and is receiving
local and national attention. Accurate
assessment of substance-misuse-associated
morbidities, including the degree and severity
of dependence, and of the need for medical
intervention, is essential, because both
intoxication and withdrawal can put
detainees at risk of medical, psychiatric and
even legal complications (Royal College of
Psychiatrists and Association of Forensic
Physicians 2006,ii)
Despite the expanding illicit drug industry and advances
in law enforcement, which have led to an increase in
the proportion of problematic drug and alcohol users
coming in contact with the criminal justice systems
throughout Europe, there is still little research about
police detention (Van Horne & Farrell 1999),
specifically in considering police forces’ response to
the problem and the treatment of problematic drug and
alcohol users in police detention (MacDonald 2004).
Official statistics have shown an increase in the number
of problematic drug and alcohol users across Europe
and in Central and Eastern Europe. Recreational use
and experimentation are becoming a central part of
youth culture. Problematic drug and alcohol users
represent a small minority of the whole population.
However, this sort of use is responsible for the vast
majority of associated harm, in personal, economic and
social costs.
This study explores legislation, policy and practice for
problematic drug and alcohol users during police
detention in eight countries in the EU.
