CANADA

ABUSING THE USER
POLICE MISCONDUCT, HARM REDUCTION AND HIV/AIDS IN VANCOUVER

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Table of Contents

I. SUMMARY

II. RECOMMENDATIONS

To the government of the city of Vancouver
To the government of the province of British Columbia
To the federal government of Canada

III. METHODS

IV. BACKGROUND

V. POLICE ABUSE AGAINST INJECTION DRUG USERS

Excessive use of force
Arbitrary arrest and unreasonable or unlawful search and seizure
Harassment for alleged petty offenses

VI. HIV/AIDS, DRUG OVERDOSE AND OTHER PUBLIC HEALTH CONCERNS

Interference with legal needle exchange and street outreach
Overdose, "fake" drugs and other complications
Interruption of health services

VII. GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

Statements by public officials
Avenues of complaint and redress

VIII. CONCLUSION

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS