NCJ Number
189573
Date Published
June 2000
Length
162 pages
Annotation
This report discusses the Illinois FFY 2000 Statewide Strategy to Control Drug and Violent Crime.
Abstract
The report is based on information from surveys of Illinois residents and criminal justice practitioners, formal evaluations, written testimony, public discussions, and data from the criminal justice, public health, and other social service systems. Criminal justice agencies are arresting, prosecuting, and convicting record numbers of offenders. Increasing numbers of those offenders are being referred to and receiving substance abuse treatment. Programs funded through the Edward Byrne Memorial Formula Grant Program have produced measurable improvements in the drug and violent crime problems. However, certain persistent and troubling trends continue: (1) the supply and price of drugs in Illinois seem to be unchanged; (2) the long-term decrease in drug use in Illinois appears to have reversed; (3) proliferation and use of methamphetamine threatens the State, particularly in rural communities; (4) drug use among offenders involved in the criminal justice system remains at a high level; and (5) despite decreases in the number of violent crimes reported to the police, many Illinois residents perceive violent crime to be increasing. The report recommends that criminal justice agencies take advantage of computer and telecommunications capabilities to facilitate sharing information with each other and with the public. Additionally, the Illinois anti-drug and anti-violence strategy should be proactive and identify prevention efforts to reduce illicit drug use among Illinois youth. Figures, notes, tables