NCJ Number
141562
Date Published
1993
Length
71 pages
Annotation
The Eastside Substance Abuse Awareness Program is a comprehensive, community-based effort to reduce illicit drug activities in the Eastside neighborhood of Wilmington, Delaware.
Abstract
Implemented in 1989, the program aims to improve the quality of life for residents of an area affected by open drug activities and associated crime. The program focuses on community development and neighborhood empowerment issues and on law enforcement. It combines the resources of State and local government agencies, community service providers, the education system, churches, and area businesses. In addition, the program emphasizes community policing; community organization; and programs and services related to drug rehabilitation, youth, and cultural awareness. It appears that community policing in Wilmington has reduced or at least stabilized the number of drug-related calls to the police. Calls to police in other areas, however, have increased as illicit drug activities are displaced to those neighborhoods. One of the program's most impressive accomplishments has been the implementation of a community- based, no-cost drug treatment program. The need to focus on adolescent and young adult males and provide them with education and marketable job skills is emphasized.