NCJ Number
108661
Date Published
1986
Length
41 pages
Annotation
This report provides a description of a comprehensive strategy for combatting the illicit drug problem in New Jersey both by reducing demand and attacking the sources of supply.
Abstract
At present, drugs are easily obtained, the drug trade reaps enormous profits, and 50 percent of all crimes prosecuted in the State are drug related. Changing this situation will require education, health care services, and the involvement of law enforcement agencies and community groups. To reduce the demand for drugs will require prevention programs aimed at increasing public awareness, intervention programs to identify drug abusers at the earliest possible point, and an appropriate inpatient and outpatient treatment programs for both minors and adults. Supply-reduction strategies provide a necessary complement. These include continued pressure from local and State law enforcement agencies coordinated by a statewide narcotics task force. In addition, drug laws must be reformed to provide harsh mandatory penalties, including stiff fines and substantial prison terms, especially for large-scale distributors and manufacturers and those who sell drugs to children or use children to sell drugs for them. While these stricter enforcement measures will influence the prison population, options for dealing with the additional burden are available. 5 charts are appended.