Seattle's 'harm reduction' policy sparks concern as addiction rates surge amid reduced enforcement
Seattle's new approach to drug enforcement is sparking alarm among police and public safety advocates, who say it may be creating a 'perfect storm' of theft and crime as people turn to survival strategies. The city's decision to stop making arrests for low-level possession cases is being seen by some as counterproductive to addressing the underlying issues driving addiction and crime.
Seattle's new approach to drug enforcement, which aims to reduce arrests for low-level possession of controlled substances, is being criticized by police and public safety advocates who say it's creating havoc for people struggling with addiction. The policy is causing a rise in thefts as addicts turn to crime to survive, leading to concerns that the city is sliding back into conditions that fueled crime and social problems in the past. Experts warn that the approach may not be addressing the root causes of addiction and may ultimately do more harm than good. Some are calling for a reevaluation of the policy to prioritize treatment and support services over punishment.
