Challenges for drug checking services in Scotland: A qualitative exploration of police perceptions
Date
2022
Authors
Falzon, Danilo
Aston, Elizabeth V.
Carver, Hannah
Masterton, Wendy
Wallace, Bruce
Sumnall, Harry
Measham, Fiona
Fletcher, Emma
Gittins, Rosalind
Priyadarshi, Saket
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Harm Reduction Journal
Abstract
Background: The impact of policing practices on the engagement of people who use drugs (PWUD) with harm
reduction services is well evidenced. Although the police have traditionally taken an enforcement role in responding
to drug use, it is increasingly clear that they can play an important part in multiagency delivery of harm reduction
interventions. Despite this, there have been no studies exploring police officer perceptions of drug checking services
(DCS), which provide analytical testing of client drug samples alongside harm reduction support and advice.
Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 police officers to explore the policing and legal challenges
which could be encountered in the delivery of DCS in Scotland.
Results: Participants expressed general support for DCS and described this support as part of a wider organisational
shift towards public health-oriented policing. Participants also discussed different potential approaches to the policing
of areas surrounding DCS including: formal limits on police presence around the service and/or stop and search
powers in relation to personal possession; the effective decriminalisation of personal possession within a specified
boundary around the service; and informal agreements between local divisions and DCS outlining expected policing
practices. Any formal limitation on the capacity of police officers to respond to community concerns was viewed
as problematic and as having the potential to erode public confidence in policing. Participants also highlighted the
potential for frontline officers to utilise discretion in ways which could undermine public health goals. Legislative
change, or national strategic guidance from relevant stakeholders, was seen as a means of providing ‘cover’, enabling
local divisions to support the operation of drug checking.
Conclusions: Despite a small sample of participants, this study summarises key challenges to be addressed in the
implementation and operation of DCS in Scotland, and more widely. The paper concludes with suggested opportunities
to develop approaches to policing that can facilitate rather than impede implementation and operation of these
services.
Description
Keywords
Drug checking, Policing, Criminalisation, Community based, Harm reduction, Stop and search, Public health, Scotland, Qualitative, Drug use
Citation
Falzon, D., Aston, E. V., Carver, H., Masterton, W., Wallace, B., Sumnall, H., . . . Parkes, T. (2022). “Challenges for drug checking services in Scotland: A qualitative exploration of police perceptions.” Harm Reduction Journal, 19(105). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12954-022-00686-6