NCJ Number
123527
Journal
American Journal of Police Volume: 9 Issue: 1 Dated: (1990) Pages: 75-95
Date Published
1990
Length
21 pages
Annotation
The long-term effects of using a problem-oriented approach to battle complex drug problems in the nation's cities cannot yet be predicted.
Abstract
However, police in such cities as San Diego, Atlanta, Tulsa, Tampa, and Philadelphia where the problem-oriented approach has been applied are showing admirable enthusiasm and creativity in tackling drug problems. They feel as if they are making an impact on long-standing problems by identifying the problem, analyzing the underlying conditions that contribute to the problem, and developing and implementing a long-term solution. These officers using problem-solving techniques are also showing an enhanced level of job satisfaction. Police efforts to deal with drug problems exceed the narrow definition of police responsibility for illegal sales of drugs and take a broader perspective looking beyond individual sellers. The scale of drug problems can appear huge to residents, city officials, and police, but if each of these groups determines reasonable goals to tackle, progress will take the shape of incremental improvements in the quality of life in a particular community. Problem-oriented policing can be implemented more quickly in agencies with strong leadership and an organizational culture that encourages independent thought and action by officers.