NCJ Number
184278
Date Published
1997
Length
17 pages
Annotation
In a national review of drug law enforcement undertaken in 1993 and 1994 and in a follow-up study in 1995, the authors were charged with advising law enforcement agencies on rational approaches to the prevention of drug-related harm.
Abstract
The authors determined that developing a rational approach required far more than the application of technical expertise. Questions had to be resolved about the role police and other drug supply reduction agencies should play in drug strategies. It was found that, without comprehensive change to organizational structures and cultures, police agencies would always find it difficult to collect and use information in ways that were truly rational and effective. It was also determined that greater emphasis should be placed on an adequate understanding of drug harm reduction and a thorough assessment of the capacity of individuals to implement change in organizational structures and cultures that may be necessary if drug supply reduction is to become effective in the harm reduction context. 25 references