Drug use careers of offenders

Introduction to the project

Why DUCO?

There have been very few studies conducted into the intersection of offending and illicit drug use in Australia and the 'revolving door syndrome' of the incarcerated population. The studies that have been undertaken have a relatively small sample size and generally focus upon a single jurisdiction. DUCO will serve as a detailed study on the incarcerated population providing significant information on the links between illicit drug use and other crimes.

What is DUCO?

Drug Use Careers of Offenders (DUCO) is a project that sought to measure drug use, including illicit drug use, amongst sentenced offenders. Data from DUCO may be used to assess the role of treatment both within and outside the correctional system, examine the intersection of drug use patterns and criminal careers and to explore issues concerning links between drug use and crime.

How does DUCO work?

Over a period of three years, DUCO reported on three different offender populations. The adult male population was sampled in 2001 and adult female inmates in 2003-2004. Juveniles detainees were most recently surveyed.

Data were collected by cross-validating correctional administrative data, with face to face interviews with persons who have been incarcerated. Participation was voluntary and anonymous. Names and addresses were not collected, and the data were presented in aggregate form.

Advisory Committees were established in each state/jurisdiction comprising of an AIC member, a correctional representative, an independent researcher and a nominee from the contracted data collection agency.

Aims of DUCO

• Provide data on drug use careers of offenders
• Provide data on criminal careers of offenders
• Provide data on access to treatment of offenders.

What did DUCO achieve?

The extent of the link between illicit drug use and crime was examined through the use of administrative data and interview instruments.

The interview instruments:

• Produce self-report data on illicit drug use
• Produce self-report data on offending patterns
• Produce data to help estimate the costs associated with drug-related criminal behaviour.