Drug Consumption Rooms (DCRs) are becoming increasingly popular around the world as they assist in reducing harm associated with drug use by providing those who consume them with a sterile and supervised setting.
Police in areas where DCRs are in operation have faced challenges due to the lack of clarity surrounding their roles and responsibilities. Therefore these guidelines have been constructed to provide police agencies with procedures and practices to give clear directions for their members.
The guidelines are necessary to ensure the operation of the DCRs are not compromised by police officers in the area who may be targeting drug affected individuals and instead allows police to focus on more harmful issues such as drug trafficking.
The guidelines also place an emphasis on communication between police authorities and DCR staff members to ensure the safety of those using the DCRs and the wider community.