CJB126
Does receiving an amphetamine charge increase the likelihood of a future violent charge?
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Summary
Aim
The current bulletin explored the relationship between methamphetamine use and violent behaviour by determining if an offender previously charged by police for an amphetamine offence is at increased risk of being subsequently charged for a violent offence.
Abstract
The current bulletin explored the relationship between methamphetamine use and violent behaviour by determining if an offender previously charged by police for an amphetamine offence is at increased risk of being subsequently charged for a violent offence. The study sample comprised all offenders aged 15 years or more who were charged with, and convicted of, any offence in a NSW adult or juvenile court in 2005 (n=99,566). After adjusting for a number of risk factors, offenders with a prior amphetamine drug charge were not significantly more likely than those with no prior drug charges to be subsequently charged with a violent offence. However, those with a prior non-amphetamine drug charge were significantly more likely than those with no prior drug charges to be charged with a subsequent violent offence. The results provide no evidence that persons charged for an amphetamine offence are more likely to be charged with a subsequent violent offence than persons without a prior drug charge. Further, the strongest predictor of a future violent charge was having six or more prior non-violent/non-drug charges.
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