NCJ Number
93789
Date Published
1984
Length
44 pages
Annotation
Responses to a l983 survey from l45 city, county, and State police agencies; local prosecutors; State attorneys general; and State and city drug abuse coordinators indicated that the Federal Government's primary role in drug law enforcement should be controlling interstate and international drug trafficking.
Abstract
Respondents felt the major hindrance to drug law enforcement was Federal agents' lack of cooperation and coordination with State and local governments. They specifically endorsed the task force approach which would solve manpower and equipment problems, as well as provide training and technical assistance. The Federal Government also should enact legislation for drug crop eradication and monitoring prescription drugs, enforce laws directed toward securing the borders, and investigate the organized criminal, as well as develop international policies to eradicate the illicit drug supply. State governments would be responsible for eliminating drug trafficking in their jurisdictions, focusing on the midlevel and street criminals. Budget cutbacks have curtailed State and local drug abuse investigations and prosecutions, as well as eliminated some treatment and prevention programs. Respondents did not support the Block Grant approach because they feared it would further decrease funding. All reporting groups perceived an increase in drug abuse over the past 5 years, contrary to l982 national surveys which showed a decline in the use of illicit drugs. Except for the State program coordinators, respondents found present policies ineffective. Moreover, the merger of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the FBI has caused conflicts, confusion, and poor coordination in the field. This survey shows that the goals outlined in the l982 Federal Strategy for Prevention of Drug Abuse and Drug Trafficking have yet to be accomplished. The appendix contains the survey letters, lists of respondents, and data on their answers to individual questions.