NCJ Number
112155
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 36 Issue: 6 Dated: (June 1988) Pages: 24-28
Date Published
1988
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Operation Pressure Point is a multifaceted program designed to deal with the crack problem in Fernandina Beach, Fla.
Abstract
Planning for the program involved contact with other agencies, a literature review, and brainstorming. The program uses two teams of two officers each and a team coordinator. Teams are outfitted with protective vests, flack jackets, riot guns, polaroid cameras, and distinctive black jumpsuits. Training for the teams emphasized 'terry' stops, probable cause traffic stops, consent searches, and the mechanics of escalating citizen encounters into probable cause that withstand court scrutiny. Prior to deploying the tactical street teams, an extensive undercover operation was conducted to provide information on dealers, their associates, and methods of operation. Undercover information was compiled into arrest packages for use in rounding up suspects. With this information, the teams made high-profile arrests of the eight most visible dealers and then began making high-profile traffic stops. To increase pressure on buyers, police took photographs during stops and informed those stopped that the photographs would be kept on file. This procedure practically eliminated all drive-through drug trade, leaving die-hard sellers and buyers who were easily identified. Other strategies used included driver's license checkpoints, shadowing, wanted posters, and reward offers for information. Bonds were set higher, and assets were seized whenever possible. As a result of the program, the drug trade decreased quickly and dramatically and was accompanied by a 75-percent decrease in burglaries.