NCJ Number
171047
Date Published
1996
Length
19 pages
Annotation
This paper considers the impact on local law enforcement agencies of decriminalizing heroin and cocaine, and examines other approaches to America's drug problems.
Abstract
The paper seeks to advance a convincing argument that there has been a lack of strategic planning for drug decriminalization. Further, the development and implementation of strategic plans that would be more cost-effective than current drug enforcement policies, particularly at the local level, might actually forestall decriminalization. For this article, legalization refers to a policy whereby selling and using illicit drugs is legal; decriminalization refers to the abolition of criminal sanctions or penalties for the personal use or possession of small quantities of illicit drugs. The article reviews enforcement and societal costs associated with illicit drug use; expenses resulting from increased prison populations; treatment as one of the most cost-effective remedies for America's drug problem; pro-decriminalization/legalization arguments and groups; strategic planning; and the synergistic relationship between drug criminalization and drug courts. Notes