NCJ Number
134366
Date Published
1991
Length
168 pages
Annotation
This research paper addresses the possible impact on law enforcement caused by narcotics smuggling through airports by the year 2000.
Abstract
Based on a review of existing drug problems, smuggling trends, and interdiction programs, numerous trends and events were identified that could have an impact on the issue. These trends and events were presented to a modified conventional delphi panel consisting of 13 experts from various fields. The panel projected five trends that they felt would have the most impact: (1) level of regional task force operations; (2) public awareness through schools and media; (3) information systems; (4) amount of evidence allowed in court via interpretation of the fourth amendment; and (5) level of organized crime. The most significant events identified by the panel were international cooperation to enforce crop eradication and support replacement crops, drug legalization, changes in Federal funding, revision in sentencing laws to make drug sentences longer, and government funding of technological development. Strategic and transition management plans were developed that incorporated seven policies: establish a regional task force, hire a civilian accountant, use seizure monies to finance technology development, develop a selection and training policy, develop a cash/seizure handling policy, develop an informant policy and establish a functional supervision policy. The primary conclusion of the study calls for the development of a regional task force to confront the issues of drug smuggling through airports in the year 2000. Supplemental study information is contained in 18 appendixes. Endnotes, tables, figures, and charts