NCJ Number
161697
Date Published
1990
Length
30 pages
Annotation
Police officers need to develop a relationship with public housing authorities and residents to prevent drug-related problems in public housing developments.
Abstract
Once police agencies have committed to tackling drug problems, both police officers and managers should develop a plan of action to ensure the most efficient use of resources and a comprehensive approach. This plan should include several key steps and should be based on an analytical approach to identify the problem, analyze the problem, and assess progress made in resolving the problem. Key steps in solving drug-related problems in public housing involve assessing facts, identifying and analyzing the problem, developing a dialogue with key players, developing a strategy, selecting and implementing a response, and evaluating progress. Several response categories are possible to provide a strategy framework that is tailored to a specific geographic area: improve the physical environment, remove offenders, reduce demand, improve intelligence, and empower residents. Because drug problems are particularly complex and enduring problems in poor neighborhoods, even modest successes in eliminating those problems are important.