The implications of crime control policy on HIV/AIDS-related risk among women prisoners

This study examined the relationship between offense, prior drug taking, an d HIV/AIDS-related risk behavior among women prisoners. Women drug offender s in this study engaged in numerous high-risk drug and sexual behaviors. Ma ny had engaged in injection drug use and prostitution. Recent drug control policies, grounded in deterrence and based on harsh legal penalties, have l ed to the incarceration of numerous offenders who are low criminal risks bu t represent major public health risks on release. Criminal justice policies penalizing drug users may be contributing factors to the spread of HIV inf ection in the wider society.