NCJ Number
171051
Date Published
1998
Length
133 pages
Annotation
Operation of the Weed and Seed program in Wilmington, Delaware, reduced drug-related calls for police service from 2,039 in 1995 to 1,659 in 1996, a reduction of 19 percent.
Abstract
During 1996, saturation police efforts occurred in Wilmington that emphasized increased police presence and special investigative activities. The Delaware State Police maintained Operation Joint Venture in the summer of 1996, and the Wilmington Police Department creased a task force. The Reactionary Drug Enforcement Team focused on vice activity and the Warrant Execution Team focused on identifying and arresting offenders with outstanding warrants. Despite signs of progress, interviews with community residents and police officials showed a high level of frustration and concern about the level of program success. Citizens recognized police efforts but also reported intense law enforcement activities did not result in the level of communication and confidence they had in 1993 and 1994 when there was a heavier community policing orientation. Citizens also reported a high level of drug addiction in neighborhoods that continued to create a demand for illicit drugs. Where drug activity and burglary showed a significant decrease from 1995 to 1996, calls related to assault and robbery decreased by a much smaller extent. Citizens also voiced significant concern with the record number of shootings in 1996; of 108 shootings, about one- third occurred in the Weed and Seed area. Prospects for future drug law enforcement efforts in the Wilmington area are discussed. Supplemental information and data on the Weed and Seed program is appended. References, tables, and figures