Year One Evaluation of the New Zealand Illicit Drug Monitoring System (IDMS)

NDARC Staff

Louisa Degenhardt, Emma Black and Matthew Dunn

Aims

The aim of the current study was to provide an assessment of the strengths/weaknesses of the IDMS, as it was designed and delivered in 2005. The review was intended to focus largely upon processes and outputs, and where possible, outcomes. Broadly, the review was conducted to investigate such topics as whether the study was designed appropriately, conducted and managed by the appropriate staff, whether the project acted as a strategic early warning system, and whether the NZ IDMS was comparable to the Australian Illicit Drug Reporting System and/or Ecstasy and Related Drugs Reporting System.

Design and Method

The review involved reading the IDMS reports and briefings in order to understand how the study was conducted and to become familiar with the results. Key experts in NZ were interviewed; these key experts worked in law enforcement as well as in the health field. Interviews with the IDMS team were also conducted.

Benefits

This study provided the opportunity to evaluate a project which makes use of methodology that is used on similar projects at NDARC, and as such, allowed the opportunity to reflect upon these projects and their outcomes.

Output

A report entitled “Year One Evaluation of the New Zealand Illicit Drug Monitoring System (IDMS)” was submitted in confidence to the funders (NZ Police).

Funding

New Zealand Police