The Australian Federal Police Drug Harm Index: A New Methodology for Quantifying Success in Combating Drug Use

Author: McFadden, Michael

Source: Australian Journal of Public Administration, Volume 65, Number 4, December 2006 , pp. 68-81(14)

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Abstract:

The AFP Drug Harm Index was developed to provide a single measure that encapsulates the potential value to the Australian community of AFP drug seizures. The index represents the dollar value of harm that would have ensued had the seized drugs reached the community. In the five years from 1998-99 to 2002-2003, the AFP and its partners saved the Australian community approximately $3.1 billion in harm through its disruption of illicit drug importations. Because the Harm Index is based on the benefits associated with an estimated reduction in consumption, it can be generalised to measuring the benefits of other drug interventions.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8500.2006.00505a.x

Affiliations: 1: Australian Federal Police

Publication date: 2006-12-01