Street policing of problem drug users

The study provides important insights into policing practices and draws out implications for policy development, ahead of the Government’s new drugs strategy which will be launched in 2008. The report: – describes the organisation of street policing of problem drug users; – examines the nature and purpose of street encounters between the police and drug users; analyses drug users’ experiences of policing; and – considers the implications of street policing for drug users and local communities. The researchers worked with three police forces in England and Wales, interviewing police officers and problem drug users, professionals at drug agencies and local councils.