PMID: 9663627Jul 15, 1998Paper

Arrests and incarceration of injection drug users for syringe possession in Massachusetts: implications for HIV prevention

Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes and Human Retrovirology : Official Publication of the International Retrovirology Association
Patricia CaseT S Jones

Abstract

Multiperson use of syringes is a major risk behavior responsible for the spread of HIV-1 among injection drug users (IDUs). In Massachusetts, two laws regulate syringes: one is a prescription law prohibiting possession or purchase of syringes without a prescription, and the other makes it illegal to possess drug paraphernalia, including syringes. In 1993, Massachusetts amended the prescription law to permit the establishment of syringe exchange programs in two cities. Enrolled participants are allowed to possess syringes anywhere in the state, and about 5% of the estimated 40,000 IDUs in Massachusetts are program participants. To understand how HIV prevention efforts with active IDUs may be constrained by the enforcement of laws criminalizing possession of syringes after the amendment in the law, we reviewed data from multiple sources to assess the number of arrests for syringe possession in 10 large cities in Massachusetts to evaluate incarceration rates and lengths of sentences for those convicted of syringe possession and to estimate costs of incarceration for those convicted of syringe possession. At least 824 persons were arrested for syringe possession in 1995. In examining the data on convictions, we found that 417 perso...Continue Reading

Citations

Sep 8, 2000·Journal of Urban Health : Bulletin of the New York Academy of Medicine·P Coffin
Feb 1, 2007·Journal of Urban Health : Bulletin of the New York Academy of Medicine·Alexis N MartinezAlex H Kral
Dec 29, 2000·Social Science & Medicine·F I Bastos, S A Strathdee
Aug 19, 2005·Journal of Urban Health : Bulletin of the New York Academy of Medicine·Steffanie A StrathdeeMiguel Angel Fraga
Jun 15, 2013·American Journal of Public Health·Zita LazzariniRobert J Levine
Dec 20, 2002·Journal of the American Pharmaceutical Association : APhA·Scott BurrisAlyssa Ditzler
Jun 16, 2005·Social Science & Medicine·Tim RhodesSteffanie A Strathdee
Jul 1, 2006·Substance Use & Misuse·Francisco I BastosUNKNOWN Project AjUDE II
Sep 8, 2020·Harm Reduction Journal·Negussie DeyessaBernard M Mundia

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