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A spatial analysis of green teams: a tactical response to marijuana production in British Columbia

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Abstract

Over a period of 4 years (1997–2000), British Columbia (BC) experienced tremendous growth in the illicit production and distribution of domestically grown marijuana. By the close of 2000, each policing jurisdiction in BC had adopted a particular policy in response to grow operation proliferation. In summary, four policy responses were noted. First, some maintained the status quo wherein enforcement of police initiated investigations and citizens’ tips continued, but with no additional resources specifically dedicated to grow operations. Second, some jurisdictions suspended the majority of investigation and enforcement of grow operations. Third, some agencies implemented or reinforced existing resource intensive drug squads, which focused on trafficking, sales and production of all types of drugs. Finally, some of the jurisdictions formed specialized tactical units known as “green teams” that focused solely on the enforcement of marijuana production. In this paper, we evaluate the effectiveness of green teams using a Geographic Information System (GIS) and difference-in-difference estimates. The results indicate that green teams decrease grow operations within their target area without significant displacement to surrounding areas.

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Notes

  1. Approximately 30% of indoor grow operations have at least one hazard (i.e., weapons, fire, other drugs, electricity by-passes, presence of mold, and home invasion).

  2. Most of the jurisdictions that adopted green teams were in the heavily populated lower mainland region, and most of the jurisdictions in this area adopted.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Criminology, Law and Society, University of California, Irvine, 2307 Social Ecology II, Irvine, CA, 92697-7080, USA

    George E. Tita

  2. Department of Criminal Justice, University of California State, Long Beach, 1250 Bellflower Blvd., Long Beach, CA, 90840-4603, USA

    Aili E. Malm

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  1. Aili E. Malm
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  2. George E. Tita
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Correspondence to George E. Tita.

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Malm, A.E., Tita, G.E. A spatial analysis of green teams: a tactical response to marijuana production in British Columbia. Policy Sci 39, 361–377 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11077-006-9029-0

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