NCJ Number
140090
Date Published
1993
Length
4 pages
Annotation
New Orleans has been a consistent participant in the National Institute of Justice's Drug Use Forecasting (DUF) program, in part due to the increased incidence of juvenile crimes in the city.
Abstract
Between 1981 and 1990, arrests of juveniles for violent crime increased by 29 percent in the United States, and the rise in juvenile crime in New Orleans reflected the national trend. In addition, juvenile drug arrests by the New Orleans Police Department increased by 150 percent between 1985 and 1990 and almost 160 percent for arrests involving marijuana or cocaine use. In 1990, the sheriff's office introduced Project DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) to New Orleans schools. Data collected through the DUF program in Orleans Parish were also responsible for the creation of Drugs Off the Streets (DOTS), a volunteer group formed to support antidrug efforts of the sheriff, the district attorney, the city police department, district court judges, and State legislators. DOTS promotes a comprehensive plan to reduce drug activity and crime in New Orleans and begins with drug testing for all persons arrested. When Orleans Parish began its voluntary urinalysis screening of nondrug felony arrestees as part of the DUF program, 70 percent of male and female arrestees showed the use of some illegal drug. Of these, 36 percent tested positive for cocaine, 55 percent for marijuana, and 22 percent for PCP. DUF statistics have alerted citizens to the prevalence of drug use among those arrested and charged with serious crimes. The focus of the DUF program on drugs and juvenile crime is discussed. 3 exhibits