Pubdate: Fri, 01 Sep 2006
Source: Chilliwack Progress (CN BC)
Copyright: 2006 The Chilliwack Progress
Contact:  http://www.theprogress.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/562
Author: Jeff Nagel
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/hr.htm (Harm Reduction)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?143 (Hepatitis)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?142 (Supervised Injection Sites)

RCMP DOESN'T BACK 'SAFE' INJECTION

The RCMP is distancing itself from supervised drug injection sites 
and the academics it commissioned to review their value.

The force said it opposes expanding the existing Insite injection 
site in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside until more research is done.

The statement came in response to media reports on reviews by two 
researchers the RCMP hired to study the local site and the 
international experience with similar sites.

"The reviews reflect the opinions of the authors and not of the 
RCMP," the statement said.

It stated the RCMP supports the four-pillar approach of Canada's drug 
strategy on illicit substance use, including harm reduction -- the 
category into which supervised injection sites fall, because of 
evidence they reduce overdose deaths and the spread of HIV and hepatitis.

"Clearly, harm reduction initiatives must encourage a transition to 
treatment and not facilitate a state of perpetual use," the statement said.

It also criticized the use of the term "safe injection site" as one 
that sends mixed messages to the public and young people.

"The RCMP does not consider any illicit drug injection use 'safe' and 
therefore encourages the more accurate term 'supervised' injection site."

University College of the Fraser Valley criminology professor Irwin 
Cohen, one of the two authors, said expanding the Vancouver site 
appears to make sense, as well as adding additional sites in the region.

The Insite clinic's three-year exemption from Canada's normal drug 
laws expires Sept. 12.

The federal Conservative government is under pressure to extend the 
exemption, but it hasn't yet made a decision.

The RCMP has not publicly taken a position on whether the existing 
site should be allowed to stay open.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman