NCJ Number
144967
Date Published
1993
Length
45 pages
Annotation
This report discusses drugs and violence in the Nation, with selected observations of the problem in several cities throughout the Nation, and particular focus on Maryland.
Abstract
Included are an overview and sections on cocaine and crack, smuggling, the changing dynamics of drug-related crimes, the changing characteristics of the criminals who commit these crimes, and the cycle of violence. Baltimore's annual homicide rate per 100,000 is fifth highest in the Nation. It rose from 11.4 in 1960 to 41.4 in 1990. In the past 10 years, Maryland has seen a substantial increase in all categories of violent crimes--murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault. Increases in drug-related violence coincided with the increased use of cocaine and the advent of crack cocaine. Crack is highly addictive and very powerful. Crack addicts easily resort to violence to support their habit. Some 2,200 crack-addicted babies were born in Maryland in 1989. 18 references