NCJ Number
136697
Editor(s)
M A Ruboy,
J R Coldren
Date Published
1992
Length
31 pages
Annotation
This report reviews evaluative research on multijurisdictional drug control task forces in 11 States between 1987 and 1991.
Abstract
Multijurisdictional drug control task forces were developed under the Federal Anti-Drug Abuse Acts of 1986 and 1988. The National Consortium to Assess State Drug Control Initiatives defines a multijurisdictional drug control task force as "any drug law enforcement effort involving two or more law enforcement agencies." The 11 States whose task- force evaluative research is reviewed are Colorado, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, North Carolina, and Oregon. Each State's task force research project is reviewed separately, with attention to information that includes the title of the research report, the year of publication, the authors, and a brief description of the study, including its major findings. Most States conducted surveys of task force personnel and other State and law enforcement officials to obtain information on task force structures and operations, as well as to learn about respondents' impressions of task force impact on the drug problem. Most States also analyzed data on task force activities and outputs as a means of describing task force operations. Few States have conducted controlled or comparative task force evaluations to date. The evaluations have helped identify common characteristics and experiences of task forces. Some studies advise that the preparation of written task force policies and procedures manuals is critical to task force success. Constant communication through regular meetings on task force goals and operations is also considered important. Common difficulties encountered include lack of funds and skilled personnel, the inadequacy of forfeiture proceeds to support task force operations, problems in conducting undercover operations in rural areas, and the dynamic nature of task force goals and objectives.