Understanding the perspectives of police officers regarding men who use drugs and drug rehabilitation in China: a qualitative study

Background: Drug use among men is a significant public health concern in China, with compulsory drug treatment centers being the primary approach. Police officers in these centers play a crucial role in shaping the interactions and experiences of men who use drugs (MWUD). However, little research exists on the attitudes of police officers toward MWUD in China. Objectives: This qualitative study aimed to explore the attitudes of police officers toward MWUD and drug rehabilitation approaches in China. Methods: Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted among 23 police officers recruited from two compulsory drug treatment centers in Jiangsu Province, China. Of the participants, two were females and 21 were males. Thematic analysis was employed to analyze the data. Results: Three key themes emerged: 1) Multifaceted perspectives on MWUD. Participants viewed MWUD as offenders, victims, and patients. 2) Dynamic interactions with MWUD. Relationships were characterized as either adversarial or supportive, influenced by participants’ personalities, experiences, beliefs, workload, and psychological training. 3) Advocating for punitive measures in drug rehabilitation. While the participants generally favored strict penalties for MWUD, they acknowledged the value of community-based rehabilitation. Concerns about social stigma, privacy, motivation, and the costs of voluntary rehabilitation tempered their support. Conclusions: The study highlights the importance of raising awareness and challenging bias among police officers. It emphasizes the need for psychological training to enhance their capacity to provide humane care and foster positive interactions with MWUD. Additionally, ensuring access to affordable, accessible, and stigma-free voluntary rehabilitation is crucial for effective drug rehabilitation efforts.