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ESTIMATING DRUG-CRIME RELATIONSHIPS

NCJ Number
12974
Journal
International Journal of the Addictions Volume: 8 Issue: 4 Dated: (1973) Pages: 701-722
Author(s)
R W SWEZEY
Date Published
1973
Length
22 pages
Annotation
RESULTS OF NATIONWIDE SURVEY OF 182 LAW ENFORCEMENT AND TREATMENT PERSONNEL WHICH ASKED RESPONDENTS TO ESTIMATE DRUG-CRIME RELATIONSHIPS, EFFECTIVENESS OF ANTIDRUG ABUSE OPERATIONS, AND TYPE OF DRUG MOST FREQUENTLY ABUSED.
Abstract
THE RESULTS INDICATED THAT MARIJUANA IS THE MOST WIDELY ABUSED DRUG, FOLLOWED BY AMPHETAMINES, OPIATES, COCAINE, AND BARBITUATES. MOST OF THE RESPONDENTS THOUGHT THAT DRUG ABUSE DID CAUSE CRIME, ESPECIALLY THE CRIMES OF PROSTITUTION, BURGLARY, POSSESSION OF STOLEN PROPERTY, LARCENY, AND ROBBERY. RACE WAS SINGLED OUT AS THE BEST VARIABLE FOR PREDICTING HEROIN USAGE, WHILE AGE WAS THE MOST OFTEN MENTIONED PREDICTIVE VARIABLE FOR OTHER TYPES OF DRUG USAGE. MEDIA ANTIDRUG PROPAGANDA CAMPAIGNS WERE GENERALLY REGARDED AS BEING MINIMALLY EFFECTIVE. ANTIDRUG ABUSE EDUCATION WAS CONSIDERED FAIRLY EFFECTIVE, AS WERE PROGRAMS LIMITING SUPPLIES OF DRUGS.