NCJ Number
142779
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 20 Issue: 5 Dated: (May 1993) Pages: 36- 41
Date Published
1993
Length
6 pages
Annotation
Discussions were held with several small town police departments to see how they are responding to the changing face of crime, particularly drug dealing, prostitution, gangs, and driveby shootings.
Abstract
According to the Lancaster, Pennsylvania, police chief, Lancaster has brazen street drug selling and the police have been forced to deal with this form of "big city" crime. A County Drug Task Force has been established that is one of the most successful programs in the State of Pennsylvania. Lancaster also has a problem with driveby shootings and open prostitution. Lansing, Illinois, has always watched the gang situation closely because of the town's proximity to Chicago. Colorado Springs has had difficulty in dealing with gangs and juvenile crime. The police chief advocates assertive law enforcement but not overreaction. To combat drugs and drug-related crime, Pine Bluff, Arkansas, participates in the Tri-County Drug Task Force. Crime problems in Lancaster, Lansing, Colorado Springs, and Pine Bluff are examples of a national problem of big-city crimes in small towns. Training programs are available and recommended for small police departments to deal with the changing face of crime in their communities.