NCJ Number
208503
Date Published
January 2005
Length
75 pages
Annotation
After examining facets of drug dealing in open-air markets in a local context, this booklet suggests responses to the problem.
Abstract
Open-air drug markets operate in geographically well-defined areas at identifiable times so buyers and sellers can easily locate one another. A variety of drugs can be sold in this manner, most often heroin, crack, cocaine, and marijuana. Open-air drug markets contribute to a wide range of social-disorder and drug-related crimes in the surrounding community, significantly affecting local residents' quality of life. Once the local problem has been analyzed, a baseline can be established for measuring the effectiveness of responses. Whatever strategy is selected and regardless of the proficiency of its implementation, it is unlikely that the drug market can be completely eradicated; however, an effective strategy can reduce related illegal activities in the locality and improve the quality of life for residents of the neighborhood. This booklet assesses various types of strategies for addressing open-air drug markets, including police drug-law enforcement actions, community responses, civil remedies, modification of the physical environment, and demand reduction. The response strategies, which are drawn from research studies and police reports, provide a foundation of ideas for addressing a particular local problem. Responses should be tailored to local circumstances based on problem analysis. In most cases, an effective strategy will require several different responses, since law enforcement alone is seldom sufficient for reducing or solving the problem. 60 references and appended summary of responses to open-air drug markets