Conceptualising and evaluating the impact of policing drug markets

Grant details

N8 Policing Research Partnership

Project start and end dates

01/03/23 - 01/03/24

Research team members

• PI: Dr Matthew Bacon
• CI: Dr Xavier L'Hoiry

Background and aims of the project

This research project is a collaboration between the University of Sheffield and South Yorkshire Police. The research focuses on and seeks to advance the concept of ‘harm reduction policing’. This involves the adoption of evidence-based policies and practices which aim to reduce the adverse health, social, and economic consequences associated with drug use, drug markets, and efforts to control them through the criminal justice system.

To study the policing of drug markets through the lens of harm reduction, the research is concerned with four key questions: (1) How do the police perceive and prioritise harms associated with drug markets? (2) How do the police define success in policing drug markets? (3) How do the police evaluate the impact of their interventions on drug markets? (4) How can the police improve performance indicators to incorporate a wider range of drug-related harms?

Methods

The research has a multi-method design consisting of document analysis, interviews and a participatory workshop.