NCJ Number
116279
Date Published
1989
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This document presents the policies on a national antidrug strategy adopted by mayors and police chiefs of 100 of the Nation's major cities.
Abstract
The initial policy statement notes the deleterious effects of drugs on society, including the relationship between drugs and crime, and calls for the development of a unified national strategy for drug control, education, and rehabilitation. A supplement discusses the need to work with the Bush Administration, the Director of National Drug Control Policy, and the Congress in implementing the provisions of the National Antidrug Strategy. This will require an official declaration of a national war on drugs; banning of the manufacture and importation of semiautomatic assault weapons; the enactment of more severe penalties for drug offenses involving firearms; and strict enforcement of drug use, sale, and possession laws in all segments of society. In addition, an direct Federal-City relationship in antidrug grant programs is needed; and the Federal Government must recognize its responsibility to address adequately problems such as poverty, unemployment, and disintegrating neighborhoods that are the root causes of the demand for drugs. Criminal justice system funding should be increased to facilitate enforcement of drug laws, and a higher priority must be given to drug education and drug information.