NCJ Number
202453
Journal
The Howard Journal of Criminal Justice Volume: 42 Issue: 4 Dated: September 2003 Pages: 348-365
Date Published
September 2003
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This article discusses criteria for the effectiveness and improvement of law enforcement action against drug supply.
Abstract
The issue of law enforcement action against drug supply has only recently been considered regarding research. The issue is confounded by the wide geographical area involved and by the various levels of drug markets. Consultations and case studies were conducted with law enforcement personnel to determine what counts as effectiveness in action against high, middle and low levels of drug supply. In addition to the approach to practitioner knowledge and views, the following researcher perspectives were identified from the literature. These focus upon criminal organization, criminal opportunities, and economics. The focus of criminal organization is on the extent to which damage to the organization and management of drug trafficking can reduce its extent. The conjunction of criminal opportunity (CCO) maps out what preconditions would have to be met in order for crime events to occur. Drug trafficking can be broken down into a series of routine scenes, which can then be analyzed using the CCO approach. The specific interest in economics was on the financial aspects of drug trafficking and the impact law enforcement efforts might produce. It appears that law enforcement agencies can affect drug prices in two distinct time frames: long-term increases in the costs of doing business, and shorter term price spikes. Criteria for success of interventions can be summarized in terms of reduction of opportunities, degradation of capabilities of organizations/networks, and changes in economic transactions. The criminal organization approach focuses on what sorts of "players" are active and what disrupts and degrades their ability to function. Three key themes are drawn within this framework: harder-edge organizations, looser networks, and facilitators. Research on drug trafficking, interventions against it by law enforcement, and the various intended and unintended consequences should seek to bring together the various perspectives of law enforcement practitioners and research disciplines. Only interventions causing traffickers to perceive a significant risk of capture leading to imprisonment have a worthwhile deterrent effect. 2 tables, 1 figure, 1 note, 31 references