NCJ Number
19341
Date Published
1974
Length
120 pages
Annotation
AN ASSESSMENT OF THIS PROJECT DESIGNED TO ESTABLISH MULTI-JURISDICTIONAL COOPERATION IN DRUG LAW ENFORCEMENT AND TO APPREHEND AND SUCCESSFULLY PROSECUTE DRUG PEDDLERS.
Abstract
THIS COOPERATIVE VENTURE WITH LOCAL DEPARTMENTS PARTICIPATING IN SUPPLYING MANPOWER AS WELL AS POLICY DIRECTION WAS VIEWED AS A VIABLE METHOD OF COPING WITH PROBLEMS OF DRUG LAW ENFORCEMENT ON A REGIONAL BASIS. PROJECT ACTIVITIES AND ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAM ARE REVIEWED. THE EVALUATION EFFORTS CONSISTED OF THREE ON-SITE VISITS, INTERVIEWS WITH STAFF, REVIEW OF CASE RECORDS, AND OBSERVATION OF INTERNAL OPERATIONS. IT WAS FOUND THAT THE TASK FORCE HAD ACHIEVED SOME SUCCESS IN APPREHENDING AND SUCCESSFULLY PROSECUTING THE DRUG PEDDLER. THE PROJECT MANAGEMENT CLAIMED TO HAVE OVER 400 CASES, BUT CASE RECORD DATA WAS FURNISHED ON ONLY 157. THESE RECORDS SHOWED 157 ARRESTS, 211 CHARGES, 33 CONVICTIONS, 13 SENT TO JUVENILE COURT AND 67 CASES PENDING OR ON APPEAL. THE SECONDARY GOAL OF ESTABLISHING MULTI-JURISDICTIONAL COOPERATION IN DRUG LAW ENFORCEMENT WAS ACHIEVED. IT IS REPORTED THAT THE EVALUATION TEAM FOUND THE PROJECT EXCEPTIONALLY POOR IN THEIR REPORT WRITING AND RECORD KEEPING. THE CONCLUSIONS OF THE EVALUATORS ARE THAT THE TASK FORCE WAS A LIMITED OPERATIONAL SUCCESS SERIOUSLY HANDICAPPED BY ORGANIZATIONAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE DEFICIENCIES. THEY DO NOT RECOMMEND REFUNDING WITHOUT MAJOR PROGRAM MODIFICATIONS. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED)