What Impacts Does Drug Decriminalisation Have on the Rates of Crime

Abstract

The dissertation explores the criminological effects of drug decriminalisation, particularly in terms of supply-side crime, black-market dynamics, and drug-trafficking-related violence. With several jurisdictions moving towards decriminalisation of drug possession, questions are raised regarding the effect that such policies have on drug supply offences, illicit drug prices, and drug dealing violence. Through literature synthesis, this paper examines the impact of decriminalisation on the crime trends, especially in such places as Portugal, Oregon and Washington where decriminalisation policies have been enacted. The results indicate that decriminalisation can have a beneficial effect on low-level drug-related arrests and change the focus of law enforcement to organised crime, but the effect on supply-side crimes and violence is less evident. In other instances, decriminalisation has resulted in more crimes, particularly in the urban centres where de-policing can reduce the perceived risk of crime. The dissertation will add to the existing debate by offering a subtle insight into the unintended effects of decriminalisation and policy suggestions to reforms in the future.