NCJ Number
122103
Date Published
1989
Length
24 pages
Annotation
The decriminalization of drug use, combined with drug abuse education and socioeconomic policies designed to reduce the "underclass" promise to be more effective in reducing the destructive aspects of drug use than the current "war on drugs."
Abstract
The latest "war on drugs" aims to win the battle against drug abuse by increasing criminal penalties and building more prisons. Proponents want more interdiction efforts, more police, stiffer penalties, and more prisons. Such a policy not only fuels criminal organizations involved in drugs, but also diverts attention from the more substantial social and economic problems underlying drug abuse and its concentration in inner cities. Decriminalization would save billions annually in law enforcement, court, and corrections costs; stem or halt the growth of organized crime; and reduce homicide, robbery, and burglary rates. Ghetto residents could turn away from crime, and the quality of urban life would generally improve. With the government regulating drugs, the health and quality of life of drug users would improve, thus reducing strain on public health dollars. 48 footnotes, 3 tables, 36 references.