NCJ Number
27416
Date Published
1975
Length
29 pages
Annotation
PROJECT DESIGNED TO REDUCE THE DISTRIBUTION OF NARCOTICS AND DANGEROUS DRUGS BY LAUNCHING A COORDINATED ATTACK ON DRUG DISTRIBUTORS USING A 'STRIKE FORCE' COMPOSED OF ALL DRUG ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL WITHIN THE STATE.
Abstract
THIS REPORT EXAMINES THE PERFORMANCE OF THE STRIKE FORCE FROM JULY 1974 TO MAY 1975. THE ABSENCE OF NEW CASTLE COUNTY AND THE CITY OF NEWARK FROM THE PROJECT MADE IT IMPOSSIBLE FOR THE STRIKE FORCE TO REALIZE ITS GOAL OF INVOLVING ALL DRUG ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL WITHIN DELAWARE IN THE PROJECT. THE MEASURES USED TO EVALUATE THIS PROJECT WERE NUMBER OF ARRESTS, PROPORTION OF ARRESTS OR CHARGES RELATED TO DELIVERY, SUCCESSFUL PROSECUTIONS, AND THE TYPE OF DRUG INVOLVED. STUDY FINDINGS INDICATED THAT THE NUMBER OF ARRESTS MADE PER OFFICER HAD IMPROVED AND THAT THE CRIMES OF DELIVERY, CONSPIRACY TO DELIVER, AND POSSESSION WITH INTENT TO DELIVER ACCOUNTED FOR 39.3 PER CENT OF ALL ARRESTS. OF ALL THOSE ARRESTED, 62% WERE CONVICTED, BUT OF THOSE ARRESTED AND CHARGED WITH DELIVERY, CONSPIRACY TO DELIVER, OR POSSESSION WITH INTENT TO DELIVER, 34% WERE CONVICTED OF LESSER CRIMES. EVALUATORS CONCLUDED THAT STATISTICS SUGGEST, BUT DO NOT PROVE, THAT THE PROJECT WAS REACHING THE DISTRIBUTORS OF DRUGS AS INTENDED BUT THAT THE SUCCESS RATE AT THE PROSECUTION LEVEL MAY BE LESS THAN SATISFACTORY. THE APPENDIX CONTAINS ARREST, CHARGE, AND DISPOSITION DATA. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED)