NCJ Number
169257
Date Published
1998
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This chapter discusses crime reduction as one of the benefits of legalizing drugs.
Abstract
Drug prohibition is responsible for much of the crime in America, including assault, murder and corruption, as individuals and groups steal and rob and murder in order to buy drugs, protect and acquire drug-selling turf, and settle disputes among drug merchants and their customers. Drug prohibition also accounts for much of the proliferation of handguns, as dealers use them for enforcement and self-protection and juveniles carry them for protection or status. Since the 1973 creation of the Drug Enforcement Agency and establishment of the war on drugs, property crime rates have tripled and violent crime rates have doubled. Because considerable law enforcement resources are expended in the war on drugs, more of all types of criminals escape detection and punishment. Legalizing drugs would: free vast sums of money for prevention and treatment of drug abuse and for reducing its root causes; reduce the occurrence of AIDS and other diseases transmitted by drug abusers; lessen the risk of drug overdose or poisoning; and allow for better prenatal care for pregnant women with drug problems.