The survey results presented in this report represent the opinions from Vermont judges, prosecutors, and defense attorneys regarding their experience with and perceptions of the activities of the Vermont Multi-jurisdictional Drug Task Force Program during the period of 1989-92.
Of the 156 surveys distributed, 35 completed surveys were returned; these 35 surveys are the basis for the analysis in this report. Of the 35 respondents, 60 percent were defense attorneys, 28.6 percent were prosecuting attorneys, and 11.4 percent were judges. Information obtained from the survey pertains to drug task force contributions, task force operation, task force strengths and accomplishments, concerns about the task force, case level effects, and system level effects. Other topics addressed in the survey were future issues, priorities, and task force improvements. Respondents indicated that the task force should give high priority to the objectives of increasing coordination and communication among law enforcement agencies, as well as removing drugs from the community. Most respondents stated that low priority should be given to seizing assets of drug offenders and to increasing the number of drug offenders that are incarcerated. High priority should also be given to drug traffickers and upper-level dealers while giving low priority to the prosecution of drug users and street-level dealers. Respondents believed that one of the best ways the task force could be improved would be through more accountability for task force operations, with defense attorneys being more likely to suggest this improvement. 21 tables, 4 figures, appended survey questionnaire, and appended supplementary information on task force efforts