NCJ Number
120718
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 56 Issue: 10 Dated: (October 1989) Pages: 113,115-116
Date Published
1989
Length
3 pages
Annotation
An alternative to traditional policing measures to deal with street-level drug sales is to increase the presence of police in an area that has been raided, possibly in the form of foot patrol.
Abstract
Traditional approaches would involve surveillance, interviews, and drug buys by undercover officers prior to a raid on a location noted in a citizen complaint, after which the enforcement activities would cease at that location. In contrast, the alternative model emphasizes rewarding the law-abiding citizens who report crime. Although the impact of foot patrol on crime is debatable, it is very useful in increasing citizens' perceptions of safety. It may deter opportunistic criminals, however. The patrol route should use the raided location as its center, with the police vehicle placed near the raided location. The officers then walk through the community to show residents that the area is being reclaimed from drug dealers. The officers should also tell residents why they are there. They should continue their increased presence until the next location is raided. However, an effort should be made to eliminate the physical or other conditions that fostered the narcotics sales. This approach reflects the awareness that traditional enforcement measures have had little success in stopping the spread of drugs and that alternative measures must be explored. 3 reference notes.