BACKGROUND: Various liberalized approaches to drug possession, including decriminalization, depenalization, diversion, and legalization, carry distinct implications for policing practices, which can vary based on geographic variation, including urbanicity, as well as the contextual factors that may be unique to different spaces.

METHODS: We present findings from a scoping review that includes all peer-reviewed studies (quantitative, qualitative, mixed-methods) published in English that address the various liberalized policing approaches to drug possession. A qualitative coding process was used to organize the findings, and themes were chosen based on frequency, relevance, and significance.

RESULTS: The initial database searches included 1127 studies, after duplicates were removed. After abstract, title, and full-text screening was completed, 61 studies were considered eligible for inclusion in this review. Four overarching themes were identified including discrepancies, employment challenges, outcomes of policy changes, and urban and rural differences.

DISCUSSION: Several major challenges remain prevalent in the facilitation of drug liberalization globally, including inadequate training of policy changes and/or enforcement procedures, lack of options for diversion, unintended increases in workload, and overall conflicting duties of police as authoritative figures providing support services. Despite the potential of policy reform to lessen structural inequalities in policing, racial inequalities remained evident as a result of police discretion in drug law enforcement. Geographic contexts also play a key role in implementation of liberalization, as studies found mixed results related to police discretion in drug-related encounters across urban and rural settings. These findings underscore the need for liberalization strategies that consider improved police training, incorporate more resources dedicated to diversion, and address discriminatory behaviours that may occur during police work.