Top and Bottom: How Police Administrators and Public Inebriates View Decriminalization

Abstract

Decriminalization of public drunkenness implies that police and public inebriates should come into less frequent and less intensive social contact. As these contacts decrease in both frequency and intensity, both parties should be more willing to admit that alcoholics are sick, not criminal. And, as a result, both police and inebriates should be more favorable to the idea of decriminalization.

Preliminary results of a study of the effects of decriminalization In Boston lend some support to these expectations. Nine police administrators favor decriminalization and would be more favorable if there were more detoxification facilities. Twenty-one inebriates interviewed in a detoxification center report less frequent contact with, and more consideration from, police patrolmen. Fifteen of the 21 favor decriminalization. Those inebriates who have the highest rates of contact with detoxification facilities are more likely to define themselves as alcoholics.