WHEREAS, the concept of "harm reduction" has gained acceptance in a number of nations as drug policymakers attempt to deal with the social and medical consequences of widespread drug use by their citizens; and

WHEREAS, "harm reduction" advocates believe that adoption of such policies will result in fewer drug-related illnesses and deaths, lower rates of drug-related criminal activities and less stigma attached to drug use; and

WHEREAS, adoption of "harm reduction" policies has proven to increase drug problems and related crime; and, in 1987, Zurich permitted drug use and sales in a part of the city called Platzpitz, dubbed "Needle Park." By 1992, the number of regular drug users at the park had reportedly swelled from a few hundred in 1987 to 20,000. The area around the park became crime ridden to the point that the park had to be shut down, and the experiment has since been terminated. (Cohen, Roger, "Amid Growing Crime, Zurich Closes a Park it Reserved for Drug Addicts, " The New York Times, 11 February 1992); and

WHEREAS, "harm reduction" activities include, but are not limited to, needle exchange programs, the provision of drugs to addicts, the establishment and management of "safe injection sites" provided to facilitate use of illegal narcotics, the analysis of drugs at rave parties (on-site and through postal services), the proliferation of websites aimed at providing drug users information on the "safe use" of drugs; and

WHEREAS, the adoption of "harm reduction" policies sends a message, particularly to young people, that drug use is "normal" behavior that is condoned by the public, health institutions and governments; and

WHEREAS, there is no truly "safe use" of illegal drugs; and WHEREAS, "harm reduction" policies negate the value and effectiveness of law enforcement and prevention programs by perpetuating defeatist attitudes that drug use is an unavoidable aspect of the "human condition;" and 16

WHEREAS, "harm reduction" strategies have been espoused by individuals and organizations seeking to eventually legalize drugs; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the International Association of Chiefs of Police duly assembled at its 115th Annual Conference in San Diego, California, strongly opposes "harm reduction" policies and supports law enforcement, prevention, education and treatment policies that result in the rejection of drug use.

Submitted by: Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Committee

NDD.007.a08