NCJ Number
158413
Date Published
1988
Length
17 pages
Annotation
Federal efforts to reduce the supply of drugs into the United States are not succeeding, and an expanded role for the military in this endeavor should be considered carefully and cautiously; consideration of a policy that focuses on reduction in the demand for drugs is in order.
Abstract
Federal expenditures for drug control were nearly $4 billion in fiscal year 1987. The drug problem persists, however, because of the enormous demand for illegal drugs in the United States and the overwhelming supply of illegal drugs available to meet the demand. It is time to reassess Federal drug abuse control policy and strategy. If success is measured by the number of drug users and the amounts of drugs being smuggled into the United States, the current strategy and policies are not effective. Experts disagree and opinions vary about which antidrug programs work best. An increasing number of experts believe antidrug policy should focus on the root of the drug problem, which is America's demand for illegal drugs. The Federal Government must also have better management and stronger leadership in antidrug policy and strategy. The authority and responsibility for planning and coordinating Federal antidrug efforts should reside in a single official directly accountable to the President. To succeed, this individual must receive strong and sustained support from the President and the Congress. The military has become increasingly involved in supporting Federal antidrug efforts. The costs and benefits of having the military do more, however, require thoughtful consideration. Providing military personnel with search, seizure, and arrest authority would be a significant departure from this country's long-standing tradition of separating national defense and civilian law enforcement responsibility. 4 figures