TY - BOOK
T1 - Australian police diversion for cannabis offences
T2 - assessing program outcomes and cost-effectiveness
AU - Shanahan, Marian
AU - Hughes, Caitlin
AU - McSweeney, Tim
PY - 2017
Y1 - 2017
N2 - Police diversion is widely utilised as an intervention for minor cannabis offending in Australia. This study compared the cost-effectiveness and outcomes of three kinds of diversions—cautions, expiation and warnings—with the traditional criminal justice system response of charging the offender. A sample of 998 people who had recently had contact with police for cannabis use or possession completed a purpose built online survey that examined resource use and health, social and offending outcomes. It showed that those who were diverted reported less disruptive relationships, fewer employment problems and more positive perceptions of police legitimacy, without leading to higher levels of drug use or offending. Moreover, cannabis diversion cost six to 15 times less than a criminal charge. The study supports previous findings that diversion for minor cannabis offences can save money and lead to better social consequences. These results provide additional evidence for continuing and expanding police drug-diversion programs in Australia and abroad.
AB - Police diversion is widely utilised as an intervention for minor cannabis offending in Australia. This study compared the cost-effectiveness and outcomes of three kinds of diversions—cautions, expiation and warnings—with the traditional criminal justice system response of charging the offender. A sample of 998 people who had recently had contact with police for cannabis use or possession completed a purpose built online survey that examined resource use and health, social and offending outcomes. It showed that those who were diverted reported less disruptive relationships, fewer employment problems and more positive perceptions of police legitimacy, without leading to higher levels of drug use or offending. Moreover, cannabis diversion cost six to 15 times less than a criminal charge. The study supports previous findings that diversion for minor cannabis offences can save money and lead to better social consequences. These results provide additional evidence for continuing and expanding police drug-diversion programs in Australia and abroad.
M3 - Commissioned report
T3 - Monograph
BT - Australian police diversion for cannabis offences
PB - National Drug Law Enforcement Research Fund
CY - Canberra
ER -
