NCJ Number
130501
Date Published
1991
Length
66 pages
Annotation
This General Accounting Office study examined current efforts to address drug crime problems in selected U.S. cities, the limitations of the local criminal justice systems in each of the cities, and options and implications for government policy to address the situation.
Abstract
The eight cities selected for the review were Los Angeles and Madera, Calif.; Atlanta and Waynesboro, Ga.; Boston and North Adams, Mass.; and Detroit and Adrian, Mich. Criminal justice officials in these eight cities were concerned with what they viewed as a significant increase in drug and drug-related crimes during the 1980's. Most of the cities had substantially increased local law enforcement efforts against illegal drugs which resulted in more arrests for drug crimes. These arrests, however, significantly increased the burden on courts already strained, correctional facilities, probation and parole offices, and substance abuse treatment centers. Various methods have been tried to address the situation. These include the increased use of plea bargaining, parole, and probation; early release programs to reduce overcrowded jails and prisons; the down-grading of certain offenses to misdemeanors or prosecuting for lesser charges; the construction of new prisons and jails; and the provision of alternatives to imprisonment. The effects of these actions on the Nation's war on drugs has yet to be determined. It is apparent, however, that increasing arrests without also increasing the capacity of the criminal justice system to accommodate the expanded workload is neither effective nor efficient. 1 table, 1 figure, and appended supplementary information