British Columbia police officer perceptions of mandatory drug treatment within the context of decriminalization

In January 2023, the province of British Columbia (BC) decriminalized small amounts of drugs for personal possession to reduce the stigma and harms associated with drug use for people who use drugs (PWUD). Police officers in BC (n=36) were interviewed prior to the implementation of decriminalization to understand their perspectives towards the incoming exemption, along with other drug policies and strategies. The current study utilized qualitative thematic analysis to explore officer perceptions towards drugs and abstinence-based approaches – specifically, mandatory drug treatment. Findings showed that officers were conflicted about their opinions of mandatory treatment – they presented arguments both for and against this treatment modality. Ultimately, officers viewed mandatory treatment as a justified means of mitigating their fears about the potential impacts of decriminalization, such as a loss of control over PWUD and increase in drug-related crime. The implications of these findings for policy makers, government, PWUD, and police are explored.