Pubdate: Fri, 07 Jan 2000
Source: Sydney Morning Herald (Australia)
Contact:  http://www.smh.com.au/
Author: Don Weatherburn

SAFETY FIRST

The Herald was uncharacteristically tabloid in its treatment of our report
on drug law enforcement and heroin (January 6).

We did not forecast "injecting room chaos". Our report simply pointed out
that a safe injecting room could reduce the risk of overdose and disease but
might also encourage heroin dealing. To see which of these outcomes occur we
need to evaluate a safe injecting room trial.

Speculation is no substitute for evidence in drug policy.

Dr Don Weatherburn, Director, NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research,
Sydney.
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