NCJ Number
153543
Date Published
1990
Length
16 pages
Annotation
Case studies of community drug prevention programs are discussed.
Abstract
This paper contains four case studies of the responses of four neighborhoods in New York City to deal with drug dealers. The four groups discussed are the Blockos, 210 Stanton, At-Taqua Mosque, and Umma. All four groups were started by individuals or small groups determined to protect their building or neighborhood from predatory criminals in the face of what they considered an inadequate response by the police department. Two of the groups had to overcome initial police skepticism and hostility inspired by their rough treatment of dealers. The key activity of all four groups is the citizen or CPOP patrol. The groups have accomplished a great deal without significant financial resources. Their ability to reach out for support to other community groups and law enforcement has been important to their success. Media coverage also has contributed to their effectiveness. All four groups believe that they have been successful, an opinion shared by everyone interviewed in law enforcement and the community. One of the four groups, the Blockos, in fact is phasing out -- a victim of its own success and the community's relative freedom from the kind of problems that plague the neighborhoods of the other three groups.