Opponents of supervised consumption services (SCS) have expressed concerns that these services may worsen crime and disorder in the surrounding area (increases in drug trafficking, loitering, property damage, etc.). These concerns can result in delays in opening SCS or closures of existing SCS, and can restrict access to important health and social services for people who use drugs. Most of the available peer reviewed research on supervised consumption services (SCS) suggests that SCS do not increase crime and may help improve public order in their surrounding communities. Learn more about the impacts of supervised consumption services on crime and public order in more detail, including supporting peer reviewed research.
Citation: Hyshka E, Speed K, Kosteniuk B, Scheim A, Kennedy MC, Jackson L. Evidence brief: Crime & Public Order. Edmonton: Canadian Research Initiative in Substance Misuse; 2021. 4p. Available from: whyscs.ca.