Background. One of the main objectives of the recent drug decriminalization policy implemented in British Columbia, Canada is to reduce stigma and re-frame drug use as a public health issue. The current study examined the perceptions of and experiences with police for a diverse sample of people who use drugs (PWUD) in the first year of decriminalization in British Columbia.
Methods. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 77 people who use drugs in British Columbia. To ensure a diverse range of perspectives, we purposively sampled a range of socioeconomic positionings. Data were analyzed thematically and organized under topic domains.
Results. Findings uncovered three main topic domains: (1) Experiences of arrest and drug seizures (2) The role of social marginalization in police interactions (3) Hopes for long-term impacts of decriminalization. Findings overall demonstrate that decriminalization has produced a sense of safety around police for some people who use drugs, but this experience hinges on social inclusion or marginalization of the person. For people who use drugs who are socially marginalized, officers may use alternative mechanisms to continue policing this group.
Implications. Findings suggest that the social benefits of decriminalization may be more pronounced among people who use drugs depending on their social positioning, begging the question: decriminalization for whom? This study points to the need for intersectionality and diversity considerations as this and other policies are developed and implemented.