NCJ Number
163491
Date Published
1996
Length
19 pages
Annotation
This report contains the findings of a national survey of chiefs of police regarding drug abuse.
Abstract
The majority of police chiefs in the United States regard drug abuse as a major problem. Fifty-eight percent of more than 300 police chiefs interviewed regard drug abuse as a serious problem in their communities, ahead of domestic violence, property crimes and violent crimes. Police chiefs also expressed an urgent need for a more balanced approach to solving these problems, including prevention, education and treatment as well as interdiction, enforcement and punishment. Limitations in dealing with drug problems include: (1) not enough places in treatment programs; (2) limited resources for law enforcement; (3) limited resources for school-based prevention; (4) insufficient efforts to cut off drug supply; (5) low conviction rates for drug dealers; and (6) low conviction rates for drug users. Results of this survey confirm that law enforcement alone cannot solve the drug problem. Any effective strategy must involve the community and its full range of institutions. The report includes a copy of the survey instrument.