NCJ Number
159473
Date Published
1994
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This paper examines the question of who, if anyone, needs to worry about drug-related violence.
Abstract
Before attempting to determine whether there is a link between drugs and violence, and to dispel some of the myths, one should address three questions: (1) Do illicit drugs in themselves incite violence, and in particular violent crimes? (2) What types of crimes do drug takers commit, and what is the associated level of violence? and (3) What is the arena of drug-related violence and which groups are its victims? A summary of information developed in response to these questions includes: (1) Drug effects may raise or lower resistance to violent behavior, but personality, situation, and culture are critical determinants. (2) The vast majority of drug-related crime is against property. (3) Drug takers are no more violent than anyone else. (4) Most violence directly associated with drugs and drug dealing occurs between and among dealers and users themselves. (5) There is an indirect link between violence and drugs, both with respect to international terrorism and organized syndicated crime. (6) People dependent on illicit drugs are sometimes intimidated and victimized by the public they allegedly threaten. References