NCJ Number
165141
Date Published
1991
Length
211 pages
Annotation
This report presents the methodology and findings from evaluations of two Indiana multijurisdictional drug task forces: the Tri-Code Organized Drug Enforcement Task Force that operates in LaPorte, Pulaski, and Starke Counties; and the South Central Indiana Narcotics Strike Force in Brown, Greene, Lawrence, Monroe, Morgan, and Owen Counties.
Abstract
The evaluation consisted of a comparison of drug enforcement activity prior to and after the creation of the strike forces and a comparison of drug enforcement activity in the strike force regions with two control sites where strike forces were not operating. The primary sources of data were responses to a survey of law enforcement officials in both the strike-force and control regions; responses to a series of interviews with key law enforcement officials; and data on felony drug arrests for the period from January 1, 1987, through December 31, 1989. The positive impact of the strike forces included both increases in levels of interagency communication and cooperation as well as increases in felony arrests and prosecutions. These findings are tempered, however, by the finding of similar increases in felony arrests and prosecutions in the control region. The findings must also be tempered by the lack of knowledge available on the effectiveness of various law enforcement strategies used to reduce the availability and consumption of drugs. Recommendations for improving task force operations are offered. 77 tables, 4 figures, and appended surveys and a case coding form