NCJ Number
94492
Date Published
1983
Length
290 pages
Annotation
Police and corrections officials, prosecutors, and experts on drug abuse treatment and prevention programs from the New York-Connecticut-New Jersey region testified on drug trafficking, narcotics abuse, and Federal drug control efforts.
Abstract
An attorney, former Cabinet member, and author of a 1982 report on drug abuse emphasized that the drug problem is getting steadily worse, citing the General Accounting Office's recent report which found that the Federal Government's efforts had not appreciably reduced the illegal drug supply. The district attorney of New York County and his special narcotics prosecutor also said that drug abuse and drug law offenses are becoming more serious and that the situation is a national and international problem whose control is beyond the capabilities of local law enforcement. Both men cited the need for more resources, more prosecutors, and more convictions. The burden that increasing drug felonies and abuse places on overcrowded correctional facilities in New York State was discussed by corrections officials. Police officers from New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut described their narcotics enforcement activities and narcotics use in their respective districts. Representatives from State agenices responsible for substance abuse services provided statistics on drug abuse patterns. They agreed with previous witnesses regarding the failure of the current Administration's war on drugs. The final group of speakers focused on treatment options, including hotlines for cocaine users; ENTER, an alcohol and drug treatment program in New York City's Harlem; and school-based prevention projects. Witnesses' prepared statements are appended.