The immigration–crime connection has been the basis for numerous immigration policy decisions. However, there are theoretical arguments and empirical evidence both for and against the positive relationship between immigration and crime. Moreover, much of this research has failed to focus specifically on illegal immigrants. The current study examines drug use patterns among 3,050 recently booked arrestees in Maricopa County, Arizona, from April 2007 to September 2008.
During 2008, 2,105 adult arrestees participated in the AARIN study. Participants completed the survey instrument and provided a valid urine specimen for testing.
For the 2008 AARIN study, 2,105 Maricopa County (AZ) arrestees volunteered to complete the survey instrument and to provide a valid urine specimen for testing. In addition, the arrestees responded to a series of questions related to methamphetamine use
As a research platform, the AARIN Project can track trends in substance abuse and other concerns among Maricopa County arrestees. This AARIN Alert tracks an alarming increase among a subset of arrestees in opiates, which includes heroin and many common prescription pain-relievers.
