Yale University

Addressing the "risk environment" for injection drug users: the mysterious case of the missing cop.

TitleAddressing the "risk environment" for injection drug users: the mysterious case of the missing cop.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2004
AuthorsBurris, Scott, Kim M. Blankenship, Martin Donoghoe, Susan Sherman, Jon S. Vernick, Patricia Case, Zita Lazzarini, and Stephen Koester
JournalThe Milbank quarterly
Volume82
Issue1
Pagination125-56
Date Published2004
ISSN0887-378X
KeywordsCommunicable Diseases, Criminal Law, Health Policy, HIV Infections, Humans, Public Health, Risk Factors, Substance Abuse, Intravenous, United States
AbstractEcological models of the determinants of health and the consequent importance of structural interventions have been widely accepted, but using these models in research and practice has been challenging. Examining the role of criminal law enforcement in the "risk environment" of injection drug users (IDUs) provides an opportunity to apply structural thinking to the health problems associated with drug use. This article reviews international evidence that laws and law enforcement practices influence IDU risk. It argues that more research is needed at four levels--laws; management of law enforcement agencies; knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and practices of frontline officers; and attitudes and experiences of IDUs--and that such research can be the basis of interventions within law enforcement to enhance IDU health.
DOI10.1007/s11904-011-0095-3
Alternate JournalMilbank Q

External Links