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Victorian Prison Drug Strategy

Drug and alcohol use by offenders is one of the biggest issues facing Victoria's criminal justice system, with more than two-thirds of prison entrants reporting a history of illicit drug use. Studies show there is a high correlation between drug use, criminal activity and reoffending.  

Key features of the Victorian Prison Drug Strategy include:

• increased security and more frequent searches to prevent drugs getting into prisons
• introduction of a Drug-Free Testing Program for prisoners to reduce the demand for drugs in prison
• provision of more places in harm reduction programs that inform prisoners of the problems caused by drug use, and offer ways to reduce harm to themselves and others
• introduction of harm reduction strategies to reduce the health risks for staff and prisoners.

The term 'drug', as used in the strategy, refers to both drugs and alcohol.