Overdose Prevention Centers, Crime, and Disorder in New York City

Original research
by
Chalfin, Aaron, Brandon del Pozo & David Mitre-Becerril

Release Date

2023

Geography

USA

Language of Resource

English

Full Text Available

Yes

Open Access / OK to Reproduce

Yes

Peer Reviewed

Yes

Objective

What trends in crime and disorder were associated with the opening of 2 overdose prevention centers (OPCs) in New York City (NYC) in November 2021?

Findings/Key points

This study found no significant increases in crimes recorded by the police or calls for emergency service in NYC neighborhoods where 2 OPCs were located. Consistent with the city’s commitment to ensuring clients could use the centers free from law enforcement interference, large, statistically significant declines in police narcotics enforcement around the OPCs were observed.

Design/methods

Cohort study of 2 OPCs and 17 syringe service programs

Keywords

SCS/OPS
Crime
Evidence base
Harm reduction