NCJ Number
142115
Date Published
1989
Length
7 pages
Annotation
The National Housing Partnership owns over 500 apartment properties in 39 States and has attempted to understand and deal with social and drug problems in public housing developments.
Abstract
Social factors cause many individuals to purchase and use illegal drugs, and total illegal drug sales in the United States in 1988 were estimated at $150 billion. Because the root causes of the drug problem are deeply imbedded in society, an effort must be made to encourage drug-free families, businesses, and social relationships. Local tax increases may be necessary to enhance law enforcement activities, school drug education must be supported, and political leaders must be serious about solving the drug problem. Specific physical measures can be implemented in public housing developments to discourage the drug trade. These measures include increased exterior lighting; the elimination of escape routes for vehicles and foot traffic; secured laundry rooms, basements, and storage rooms after business hours; and litter pickup. Several steps can be taken if a public housing development is experiencing drug activity: conduct property inspections, verify leaseholders and dependents, conduct intensive guard patrols to discourage drug dealers and customers from entering the property, and obtain the maximum feasible level of control over who enters and exits buildings. It is also essential that public housing staff be free of drugs. Although managers may evict households which violate the lease agreement, eviction should not be the primary drug prevention technique.