‘I like money, I like many things’. The relationship between drugs and crime from the perspective of young people in contact with criminal justice systems

“When I Take Drugs, I Don’t Care”: Insights into the Operational Dynamics of Male Violent Offenders in a Correctional Centre

“…Various type/forms of violent crimes commonly committed by people who are under the influence of drugs were explored and hypothetically tested. And a plethora of research outcomes attest to the current research findings, that since kidnapping, armed robbery, murder, burglary, cultism, and assault and battery are offending behaviors which are perpetrated using the element of violence and/or threat of it, perpetrators of these crimes almost always take to drugs to successfully do the crime (for similar research findings, see Ayodele et al, 2018; Cambron et al, 2018; Gadd et al, 2019; Gilchrist et al, 2019; Hussein et al, 2017; Link & Hamilton, 2017; Nnam et al, 2018; Olaniyi, 2020; Otu et al, 2018b; Rolando et al, 2020; Shek et al, 2019). Indeed, findings of the present study specifically revealed that the involvement of violent offenders in drug abuse is to increase energy and agility, remain fearless and insensitive to their victims’ plight, and never regret their actions during and after perpetrating the crime (see Table 3 for details).…”

“…At the same time, it is important nevertheless to note the fact that variations still exist in the interplay between drug use and offending. Gadd et al (2019), Gilchrist et al (2019), and Rolando et al (2020) also acknowledged that the association between drugs and crime differs; they vary according to type of drugs and over time and space, as well as other correlates. A case in point is the findings of a study carried out in Sweden, which revealed a positive relationship between violent crime and binge drinking and use of sedatives and, on the other hand, was negatively related to cocaine, heroin, amphetamine, and injecting drug use (Hakansson & Jesionowska, 2018).…”

Unintended consequences of drug policies experienced by young drug users in contact with the criminal justice systems

“…In the UK sample (n ¼ 38), there were only 9 young people who reported their ethnicity as Black British or Asian British or mixed race. In Poland (n ¼ 51) nobody of migrant descent was interviewed (Rolando et al, 2020). Most of them were in contact with the CJS due to a broad variety of crimes, not exclusively related to drugs.…”

“…But, some young people had been caught by the police due to drug possession or had been accused of drug dealing if they possessed an amount higher than legal limits and these young people reported to have been subject to an array of unpleasant criminal procedures. Others had committed offences while under the influence of drugs or had been involved in acquisition crimes (Rolando et al, 2020). Some reported being exposed to humiliating and degrading treatment by the police.…”

Editorial DEPP: drug experienced young people in contact with the criminal justice system. Understanding the challenges and working towards solutions

“…The first paper in this Issue by Rolando, Frank, Duke et al (2020) provides new insights into the long-standing debate about drugs and offending among young people (see e.g. Bennett & Holloway, 2009), elaborating on the role of different types of drugs, economic factors, and cultural contexts in shaping the relationship between drug use and offending.…”