NCJ Number
156637
Date Published
1976
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This study used data collected between June 1970 and September 1973 to analyze the relationship between heroin prices and crime rates in Detroit.
Abstract
The results indicated that slight and temporary reductions in the supply and availability of heroin do not translate into reductions in heroin-related crime, but rather lead to an increase in these crimes. Poor neighborhoods, whether they are home predominantly to black or white residents, are the most frequent victims of crimes committed by heroin users. Four sets of findings supported these conclusions. First, reports of revenue-raising crimes increased 2.9 percent throughout Detroit whenever heroin prices increased 10 percent. Reports of specific offenses (armed and unarmed robbery and residential burglary) increased when heroin prices increased 10 percent. On a citywide basis, when the price of heroin increased, its use decreased, but at a slower rate. Finally, the impact of a 10 percent increase in the price of heroin varied considerably among neighborhoods. Policy alternatives derived from this analysis involve continuing current efforts to reduce the heroin supply, adopting a laissez-faire policy toward heroin supply, focusing specifically on heroin-related offenses, effecting a policy of certain punishment for convicted heroin offenders, decriminalizing possession and sale of heroin, and establishing an extensive heroin maintenance program. 3 tables and 1 map