The misuse of volatile substances for intoxication, which is also known as chroming, has been an issue of increasing concern in Queensland, particularly since it often involves children, frequently in public places. In an attempt to reduce the harm caused by volatile substance misuse (VSM), as well as address the public's concerns, the Queensland Government made a number of legislative changes as part of a broader strategy. In December 2003, amendments to the Police Powers and Responsibilities Act 2000 (PPRA) were passed through the Queensland Parliament. The amendments expanded the existing powers of police to deal with public misuse of volatile substances, especially by children. In 2005, the Crime and Misconduct Commission (CMC) undertook a review of the use by police of new powers (trial powers) embodied in the PPRA. The new powers were intended to provide police with an enhanced response to VSM, as a broader strategy aimed at more effectively directing welfare services needed by those engaging in VSM. The report focuses primarily on the police component of the VSM strategy and reveals the outcomes of the comprehensive CMC review of the operation of trial police powers. The report is divided into five main chapters. Chapter 1 provides a literature review of the new trial legislation in Queensland. Chapter 2 reviews the specific nature of the trial police powers. Chapter 3 presents a range of statistical data relating to police exercising the trial powers. Chapter 4 highlights stakeholder perceptions of the "places of safety" trial. Lastly, chapter 5 concludes with recommendations on police powers and the role of these powers in a broad response by the government to VSM. Appendixes A-I and references