Bureaus in Action: How Can Drug Policy Makers Access Research Evidence

Abstract

The inevitable increase in the volume of drug-related cases demands a very serious way of providing concrete plans and program to probably lessen if not totally stop the problems about prohibited drugs and other related cases. As such, this demand requires a more aggressive implementation of the law and/or a better policy. A more strategic intelligence report and data gathering of evidence are needed to at least minimize if not totally eradicate the problem. The aforementioned possible solutions may also include a thorough investigation of the gathered research evidence which can be a good factor for a better policy-making process. For whatever reasons and situations, a good policy should not be biased. It should technically consider both sides of the circle and is presumed to be a solid evidence-base. The ways in which research can provide such solid evidence are contested, both in terms of the types of evidence that are valued and in terms of the ways in which evidence is taken up in the policymaking process.It utilized a mixed-method design using multiple data sources such as interviews and survey with the narcotics personnel. The researchers, surveyed Taguig SDEU (n=10) respondents, TADAC (n=10) respondents, BADAC respondents, and CBRP (n=10) respondents with a (n=40) total number of respondents. Drug policymakers across police government portfolios were interviewed then asked to report on the sources of research evidence in their most recent decision-making.From the participant’s focus group interviews, five (5) sources were reported, the most frequent of which were seeking advice from an expert and consulting technical reports. Accessing the internet, using statistical data was also used in about half cases and the least frequently used sources were consolidation of reports. Interview conducted also revealed that majority of the policymakers do not have automatic access to information relating to the implementation of illegal drug campaign in Taguig City much less in other cities which could be used as a comparative reference for policymaking.The use of research evidence within the policy process is potentially constrained by this time pressure. Considering the importance of vital information from the implementer of drug policy, drug policymakers should have access to that information. There should, therefore,be a mechanism of recording and submitting this information directly to the policymakers which presently is not being done.