NCJ Number
122168
Journal
International Journal on Drug Policy Volume: 1 Issue: 3 Dated: (November/December 1989) Pages: 10-11
Date Published
1989
Length
2 pages
Annotation
The government policy of encouraging citizens to fight the war on drugs in their neighborhoods is costing the lives of good people.
Abstract
The New York City Tactical Narcotics Team costs $16,000 per drug arrest, generally involving street-level user/dealers who will spend an average of 6 months in jail. Add $25,000 per case for trial costs and $30-40,000 per year for imprisonment. New York State spent approximately $360 million last year on all of its 35,000 drug treatment slots and prevention services. Maria Hernandez, a 34-year-old wife and mother with three children, was gunned down in her home in Brooklyn in retaliation for her and her husband's efforts to rid their neighborhood of drug dealers and users. Maria Hernandez is but one of many citizens who have died for their efforts to combat drugs in their communities. Local politicians stood by Maria Hernandez' husband after her death. One contribution was to provide him the money and assistance to obtain a gun for self-defense. The government's "war" on drugs encourages citizens to arm themselves and even die to combat drug dealers/users, whose only hope of living the "rich" life is through drug money. Maria Hernandez' 15-year-old daughter said it well: "I am proud of what they have done. But for it to cost my mother's life -- it's not worth it. I'm sorry, it's not worth it."