Remarks by the Honorable James K. Stewart, Director of the National Institute of Justice to the Atlanta University Criminal Justice Institute/Virgin Islands Government Annual C.J. Professional-to-Professional Conference on the Subject of 'How the Police are Handling the Drug Problem Nationally' at

• NCJ Number: 114000
• Author(s): J K Stewart
• Date Published: 1988
• Length: 12 pages
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Type: Presentation
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

The director of the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) discusses how although the Federal government's response to the problems of drug use is multifaceted, it neglects to provide support for criminal justice research into ways to solve the drug problem.

Abstract

All drug efforts are coordinated by a national drug policy board chaired by the Attorney General. While it is important to reduce the supplies of drugs coming into the country, it is critical to stop the demand for drugs in the neighborhoods. Drug use by criminals must also be attacked. Research has demonstrated that active police enforcement can reduce drug demand and drug-related crimes such as robberies and burglaries. In order to do their work well, local police need information about drug abuse among criminals and options for local law enforcement. Research on ways to help local police fight the drug war will pay off just as research provided ways to stop airline hijacking and developed bullet-proof vests. An example of effective criminal justice research is the Drug Use Forecasting System. Further, new technologies are developing that should make such activities as drug testing more reliable. Police departments must be given information and resources with which to fight local drug problems.