Beyond enforcement : officer narratives on their interactions with adolescents in drug use

Abstract

This study unfolds stories of Investigation and Operation Police Officers who are currently employed in the Drug Enforcement of the Maldives Police Service. By storying narratives of drug enforcement police officers, this study aims to explore attitudes, beliefs and interactions of these officers towards a highly vulnerable population (adolescents) involved in drugs, and how officers then make meanings of such interactions with regard to their past experiences, present roles and future expectations. Data extracted from in-depth narrative interviews conducted with five Police officers was analysed using narrative inquiry. Structural analysis of the narratives combined with interpretitie stories were constructed, which were then analysed by using three-dimensional model of experience and concepts of symbolic interactionism. The findings revealed the situational basis on which officers contextualized their experiences, current practices and expectations for the future by drawing out several recommendations. These officers expressed empathy and concern over adolescent involvement in drug activities while challenging the existing practices and calling for accountability at individual and organisational levels. Contrary to what might be popular belief, the officers who participated in this study recognise the gravity of the situation at hand, and future non-reversable consequences if these issues are not addressed appropriately.