Trends in crime and the introduction of a needle exchange program.

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Bibliographic Details
Title:	Trends in crime and the introduction of a needle exchange program.
Authors:	Marx MA (AUTHOR), Crape B (AUTHOR), Brookmeyer RS (AUTHOR), Junge B (AUTHOR), Latkin C (AUTHOR), Vlahov D (AUTHOR), Strathdee SA (AUTHOR)
Source:	American Journal of Public Health. Dec2000, Vol. 90 Issue 12, p1933-1936. 4p.
Subjects:	Needle exchange programs, Prevention of bloodborne infections, Crime, Arrest, Criminal justice system
Geographic Terms:	Baltimore (Md.)
Abstract:	OBJECTIVES: This study sought to determine whether introduction of a needle exchange program would be associated with increased crime rates. METHODS: Trends in arrests were compared in program and nonprogram areas before and after introduction of a needle exchange program in Baltimore. Trends were modeled and compared via Poisson regression. RESULTS: No significant differences in arrest trends emerged. Over the study period, increases in category-specific arrests in program and nonprogram areas, respectively, were as follows: drug possession, 17.7% and 13.4%; economically motivated offenses, 0.0% and 20.7%; resistance to police authority, 0.0% and 5.3%; and violent offenses, 7.2% and 8.0%. CONCLUSIONS: The lack of association of overall and type-specific arrest data with program implementation argues against the role of needle exchange programs in increasing crime rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Database:	Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection

Description
Abstract:	OBJECTIVES: This study sought to determine whether introduction of a needle exchange program would be associated with increased crime rates. METHODS: Trends in arrests were compared in program and nonprogram areas before and after introduction of a needle exchange program in Baltimore. Trends were modeled and compared via Poisson regression. RESULTS: No significant differences in arrest trends emerged. Over the study period, increases in category-specific arrests in program and nonprogram areas, respectively, were as follows: drug possession, 17.7% and 13.4%; economically motivated offenses, 0.0% and 20.7%; resistance to police authority, 0.0% and 5.3%; and violent offenses, 7.2% and 8.0%. CONCLUSIONS: The lack of association of overall and type-specific arrest data with program implementation argues against the role of needle exchange programs in increasing crime rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:	00900036
DOI:	10.2105/ajph.90.12.1933