NCJ Number
130716
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 39 Issue: 6 Dated: (June 1991) Pages: 45-48
Date Published
1991
Length
4 pages
Annotation
The planned, systematic approach of Decatur, GA to drug law enforcement is presented.
Abstract
Through effective use of its manpower resources and a tremendous amount of inter-agency cooperation, the Decatur Police Division has had considerable progress in its fight against drugs. One detective has the responsibility of handling most drug cases along with other investigative duties. Drug investigations involve the cooperation of detectives, patrol officers, and administrators. Drug operations were conducted in three phases: identifying the problem, resolving it, and then moving to another problem area. The first phase included increased street level enforcement activities in targeted areas. The second phase was an undercover investigation at a motel that served as a haven for numerous drug dealers, whereas the third phase involved an undercover operation with informants and undercover agents in a housing project. Street level enforcement activities continued in targeted neighborhoods in the fourth phase. The latter differs from the first phase in that patrol officers focus on street interviews and sharing of information. The purpose of the technique is to pool the police department resources to combat the drug problems in 1- to 2- block areas and to provide more effective results. 3 photographs