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Improving police conceptual knowledge of Mexico's law on cannabis possession: Findings from an assessment of a police education program
Author(s) -
Mittal Maria L.,
Artamonova Irina,
Baker Pieter,
Strathdee Steffanie A.,
Cepeda Javier,
Bañuelos Arnulfo,
Morales Mario,
Arredondo Jaime,
RochaJimenez Teresita,
Clairgue Erika,
Bustamante Elaine,
Patiño Efrain,
Gaines Tommi,
Beletsky Leo
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
the american journal on addictions
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.997
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1521-0391
pISSN - 1055-0496
DOI - 10.1111/ajad.12827
Subject(s) - decriminalization , possession (linguistics) , cannabis , logistic regression , law , political science , medicine , psychology , criminology , psychiatry , philosophy , linguistics
Background and Objectives Policing practices do not reflect recent decriminalization of drug possession in Mexico. We assessed knowledge of cannabis law as part of a police education program (PEP) post‐drug law reform in Tijuana. Methods Officers took pre‐/post‐PEP surveys; random subsample ( n = 759) received follow‐up assessments. Longitudinal logistic regression (pre‐, post‐, 3‐months post‐PEP) measured knowledge of cannabis law. Results PEP increased conceptual knowledge of cannabis law from baseline to post‐training (AOR = 56.1, CI: 41.0–76.8) and 3 months post‐PEP (AOR = 11.3, CI: 9.0–14.2). Conclusion and Scientific Significance PEPs improve police knowledge of cannabis law. Reforms should be bundled with PEPs to improve policy implementation. (Am J Addict 2018;XX:XX–XX).