Drug Decriminalization, Fentanyl, and Fatal Overdoses in Oregon

JAMA Network Open, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 7(9), P. e2431612 - e2431612

Published: Sept. 5, 2024

Importance With the implementation of Measure 110 (M110) in 2021, Oregon became first US state to decriminalize small amounts any drug for personal use. To date, no analysis association this law with overdose mortality has fully accounted introduction fentanyl—a substance that is known drive fatal overdose—to Oregon’s unregulated market. Objective evaluate whether decriminalization possession was associated changes rates after accounting rapid spread fentanyl Design, Setting, and Participants In cohort study, between enactment M110 analyzed using a matrix completion synthetic control method. The group consisted 48 states Washington, DC, all which did not drugs. markets determined state-level percentage samples reported National Forensic Laboratory Information System were identified as or its analogues. Mortality data obtained from Centers Disease Control Prevention January 1, 2008, December 31, 2022. Data performed fall 2023 through spring 2024. Exposures took effect on February 2021. Main Outcomes Measures primary outcome assessed per half-year. A changepoint also when each experienced escalation Results analysis, supply occurred half contemporaneous M110. positive crude found rate 100 000 year (estimate [SE], 1.83 [0.47]; P < .001). After adjusting confounder, size changed signs −0.51 [0.61]; = .41) there longer an Oregon. Sensitivity analyses consistent result. Conclusions Relevance study market, observed. Future evaluations health effects policies should account composition markets.

Language: Английский

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Opportunities and Challenges of Big Data Analytics in Crime Investigation

International Annals of Criminology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown, P. 1 - 15

Published: April 21, 2025

Abstract The integration of big data into criminal investigations is advancing significantly. Big fundamentally involves the utilization artificial intelligence technologies to analyse vast quantities electronic information. inherent features contribute minimizing subjectivity in investigative procedures and facilitate evolution investigation methodologies incident identification. However, challenges persist regarding protection rights potential biases collection, as well issues “black box effect” processing, alongside security concerns related storage. To address these challenges, it essential implement strategies such enhancing quality data, restricting transparency processing methods establishing a tiered framework for personal

Language: Английский

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One-Year Association of Drug Possession Law Change With Fatal Drug Overdose in Oregon and Washington

JAMA Psychiatry, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 80(12), P. 1277 - 1277

Published: Sept. 27, 2023

Importance Two states modified laws to remove or substantially reduce criminal penalties for any drug possession. The hypothesis was that removing possession may fatal overdoses due reduced incarceration and increased calls help at the scene of an overdose. Objective To evaluate whether decriminalization in Oregon Washington associated with changes either direction overdose rates. Design, Setting, Participants This cohort study used a synthetic control method approach examine there were rates postpolicy period (February 1, 2021, March 31, 2022, Washington). A counterfactual comparison group (synthetic controls) created Washington, using 48 District Columbia, did not implement similar policies during (January 2018, 2022). For 2018-2021, final multiple cause-of-death data from National Vital Statistics System (NVSS) used. provisional NVSS Drug deaths identified International Statistical Classification Diseases Related Health Problems, 10th Revision underlying codes X40-X44, X60-X64, X85, Y10-Y14. Exposures In Oregon, Measure 110 went into effect on February 2021. Supreme Court decision State v Blake occurred 25, Main Outcome Monthly Results Following implementation 110, absolute monthly rate differences between its statistically significant (probability = 0.26). average difference post 0.268 per 100 000 state population. policy change 0.06). 0.112 Conclusions Relevance found no evidence association legal removed Additional research could potential other outcomes as well longer-term associations overall across racial ethnic groups.

Language: Английский

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Housing assistance among people who are unstably housed and use drugs in Oregon: a cross-sectional study

BMC Public Health, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 25(1)

Published: Feb. 23, 2025

Language: Английский

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Policing during a period of drug decriminalization: Experiences of people who use drugs in Oregon, USA

International Journal of Drug Policy, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 138, P. 104745 - 104745

Published: Feb. 26, 2025

Language: Английский

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Decriminalization as an Alternative to Drug Prohibition

Published: Jan. 1, 2025

Language: Английский

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The Police Opioid Seizure Temporal Risk (POSTeR) model of increased exposure to fatal overdose

International Journal of Drug Policy, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 139, P. 104789 - 104789

Published: April 10, 2025

Language: Английский

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Perceptions and experiences with police among people who use drugs in the initial year of British Columbia's decriminalization of illegal drugs policy

Criminology & Public Policy, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: April 3, 2025

Abstract Research Summary On January 31, 2023, British Columbia (BC) launched a 3‐year pilot initiative decriminalizing the possession of up to 2.5 g select illegal drugs. The policy aims reduce stigma, address racial disparities in drug law enforcement, and improve police relations with people who use drugs (PWUD). As part national evaluation, we conducted qualitative interviews 100 PWUD reported using at least three times week across BC between October 2023 February 2024. Participants, diverse sociodemographics, patterns, interaction histories, largely an adversarial relationship police, marked by historical mistreatment targeting individuals based on aspects their social identity, such as ethnicity, housing status, other visible markers. Despite generally adhering policy, some participants unlawful seizures, reinforcing mistrust. Although noted reduced fear most felt negative perceptions persisted post‐decriminalization, highlighting need for further education training stigma inconsistent enforcement. Policy Implications Our findings underscore improved through better standardization, emphasis promoting consistency increased transparency, particularly discretion. Training should also impact systemic racism discriminatory policing practices foster equitable interactions PWUD. Further consideration alternative nonpunitive legal approaches, alongside expanded harm reduction services, treatment options, supports (such housing), community‐based initiatives, could be highly beneficial. Continued monitoring evaluation policy's is essential.

Language: Английский

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“You can’t incarcerate yourself out of the drug problem in America:” A qualitative examination of Colorado’s 2022 Fentanyl​ criminalization law

Health & Justice, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 13(1)

Published: April 22, 2025

In response to the U.S. overdose crisis, many states have increased criminal penalties for drug possession, particularly fentanyl. This study sought qualitatively explore diverse community perspectives on increasing legal in Colorado fentanyl possession (House Bill 22-1326) and broader role of system addressing substance use prevention. We conducted 31 semi-structured interviews 2023 with leaders directly working people who drugs, individuals lived experience system, law enforcement throughout Colorado. Interviewees were asked about perceived impact House 22-1326 their communities agencies. After complete, we created templated summaries matrix analyses conduct rapid qualitative analysis, an action-oriented approach data analysis. Respondents included peer support specialists (n = 7), policymakers 6), behavioral health/harm reduction providers program staff 8), 4), nine participants from rural counties. Analysis revealed that found be misguided: "And felony [of HB-1326] is such a good example policy being led by feelings rather than evidence." was context participants' divergent views police as conduits treatment punishment perceiving jail (in)appropriate disorder treatment. All supported efforts prevent fatal overdoses, yet, most thought incarceration avenues misguided. highlights array can inform decisions concerning distribution policies affect drugs broadly.

Language: Английский

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Public calls for service to the police: Trends before and during drug possession decriminalization in Oregon

International Journal of Drug Policy, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 142, P. 104834 - 104834

Published: May 14, 2025

Language: Английский

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