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. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman