Local Level Drug Enforcement (From What Works in Policing: Operations and Administration Examined, P 35-48, 1992, Gary W Cordner and Donna C Hale, eds. -- See NCJ-132805)

• NCJ Number: 132808
• Author(s): D W Hayeslip Jr; D L Weisel
• Date Published: 1992
• Length: 14 pages
• Sale Source: Anderson Publishing Co
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Police tactics in drug law enforcement have changed in recent years in response to changes in drug abuse in the mid-1980's, although research has not yet established what techniques are the most effective in drug law enforcement.

Abstract

Traditional drug law enforcement was the responsibility of special narcotics units. The wide availability of crack cocaine greatly increased drug trafficking and the associated problems of drug-related violence, street and property crimes, and growing youth involvement in drug trafficking. In response, new police tactics included multi-jurisdictional task forces, street sweeps and saturation patrols, asset seizures under forfeiture laws, community policing, problem-oriented policing, demand reduction efforts, and organizational changes. Evaluations have not yet determined the effectiveness of these strategies and have had methodological limitations. Further research should focus on the nature of the drug problem, the relationship between drugs and crime, and the long-term effectiveness of law enforcement efforts. In addition, enforcement strategies must consider several ethical and organizational issues including police corruption, geographical displacement of crime into other areas, entrapment, and appropriate goals for drug law enforcement. 22 references