NCJ Number
158959
Date Published
1989
Length
184 pages
Annotation
A 1989 Senate hearing focused on the nature, impacts, and potential legislative responses to drug-related crime in public housing and other federally assisted housing.
Abstract
Speakers included private developers, public housing authority directors, a Legal Aid attorney, a police officer, a representative of the American Civil Liberties Union, the head of the Community Patrol Organization, a State housing official, a tenants' representative, a drug treatment service provider, and a mayor. Speakers noted that the problem has increased over the years, primarily because public officials have denied that it was occurring. One significant change has been the emergence of gang problems together with cocaine and crack trafficking. Gang members have access to weapons and money and have intimidated and harassed residents of assisted housing. The lack of security, tenant screening, and controls over entrance points make these communities particularly vulnerable to drug law offenses and drug-related crimes. They urged the use of the resources of the State and Federal Governments, the private sector, and tenants to address the problems. Written statements and background materials