DRUG LAW ENFORCEMENT, POLICING AND HARM REDUCTION: An introduction

As budding ethnographers, experiencing the realities of this intriguing, hidden world at first hand deepened our understanding, honed our sense of purpose, and was perhaps the most ‘fun’ part of the research process. But, as part of these projects, the authors also immersed ourselves in the existing literature and read what others had to say on the matter. Utilising a variety of methodological approaches, analysing various data, and adopting a number of theoretical standpoints, the authors focus on a range of issues and contexts specifically relevant to drugs policing. A ‘quiet revolution’ of progressive drug policy reform is visible in many countries, with decriminalisation becoming more popular and attempts at legalisation no longer only residing in the dreams of drug policy activists. Policing typically remains a central component of drug strategies throughout the world. But there are signs that the focus and nature of drugs policing are changing.