NCJ Number
78313
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 48 Issue: 2 Dated: (February 1981) Pages: 60-64
Date Published
1981
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article examines the financial advantages of drug smuggling enforcement in smaller police departments, particularly in Florida.
Abstract
Smaller police departments (less than 100 sworn officers) have been slow in their attempts to set up programs to combat the large scale drug smuggling problem in Florida and other states. Smaller departments often feel unable to make an effective dent in this massive illegal flow because their resources are few. However, smaller departments can confiscate vessels, vans, and airplanes caught in drug raids for their own use or sell them when no longer useful. Although capital expenses are involved in these seizures, the benefits more than offset the costs. The patrol and investigative divisions with the department are also valuable tools in antismuggling programs. Because secrecy is important in all these operations, the patrol and investigative divisions should be advised of only that information they need to know to perform the job. Smaller departments should concentrate both on street trade and on smuggling. Smaller departments situated near the water or having busy airports should be aware that heavy smuggling traffic is occurring. The effective narcotic enforcement operation of the city of Delray Beach in Florida points out that operating a small drug enforcement unit in a small department can be effective and profitable. New laws passed in Florida governing the seizure and usage of confiscated property are also favorable to local police. No references are given.