Our Vision: To support and educate young people, their families and communities to prevent the damage caused by drugs
ALBERTA REVIEW OF SEVEN INJECTING ROOMS NEGATIVE
A recent review of seven recently implemented injecting rooms in Alberta Canada shows similar negative effects to the North Richmond MSIR, which of course will be replicated in the City of Melbourne if the Victorian Government’s plans are enacted.
Relevant quotes from the report:
“The question for the committee was, does the existence of a SCS site in a particular location have an additional effect on crime near the SCS site? Although the committee heard opinions that the existence of a SCS reduces crime or, at worst, has no impact on drug-related criminal activity in the immediate area, the preponderance of evidence provided by area residents and officials demonstrates that criminal activity near SCS has increased. Residents at every location informed the Committee that the SCS sites act as a “magnet,” attracting persons who are addicted to substances, whether they consume the substances at the site or not. It was reported that increased concentrations of drug users also attract drug dealers who, in turn, attract more drug users. SCS, therefore, are assumed to geographically concentrate the street-level drug market and other criminal activities. The Committee finds this to be credible.” p 4
“Another major public safety issue identified was harassment in public areas. This was a concern raised by residents in SCS neighbourhoods, as well as business owners and their customers. Many residents, including minors, reported being approached for money (panhandling), solicited for prostitution, or being subject to verbal or physical assaults and intimidation. Numerous residents complained about drug users urinating or defecating on their property, or in front of their businesses, as well as uttering profanities or making rude gestures to community members and patrons of local businesses. Many reported that this resulted in a fear of using public spaces or supporting the business in the area. Parks, public libraries, stores and restaurants were reported as either not being used, or were being used far less than previously by community members, especially children and the elderly.” p 4
“The Committee’s investigations indicate that while there have been no deaths reported on-site, deaths due to opioid overdoses are unabated, both within the immediate vicinity of the SCS sites and elsewhere.” p 34
Drug Free Australia seeks to inform Councillors that all of the above were problems identified in the recent review of the North Richmond MSIR, although media reports on the MSIR review made no mention of the real issues.
Gary Christian
RESEARCH DIRECTOR
Drug Free Australia
0422 163 141