Applying Restorative Justice to Drug-Addicted Suspects or Victims of Drug Abuse at the Narcotics Investigation Unit of the West Nusa Tenggara Regional Police

This study seeks to examine the application of restorative justice by the Narcotics Investigation Unit of the West Nusa Tenggara Regional Police towards suspects who are drug addicts or victims of drug abuse, along with the procedures and underlying considerations used. The research was conducted by empirical and normative legal methods. The findings indicate that the application of restorative justice is based on Indonesian National Police Regulation (Perpol) Number 8 of 2001. Ultimate considerations include the suspect's health condition to enable immediate access to medical or social rehabilitation, the overcapacity in correctional institutions, and the evidence found is only sufficient for a single day's use. Moreover, restorative justice is merely applied when the suspect is not involved in a drug trafficking network, has never been sentenced to court, and is not a recidivist. Through this approach, investigators intend to provide legal protection and recovery for addicts or victims by prioritizing rehabilitation over criminal punishment. This mechanism is also expected to raise public awareness of more humane legal measures in addressing drug abuse.