Public Opinions on and Perceptions of Drugs and Crime in Missouri: Summary of Findings

• NCJ Number: 128153
• Author(s): B Useem; K Johnson; L Burgess; A Lewis-Klein; B Curry-White
• Date Published: 1990
• Length: 18 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: Missouri State Highway Patrol, Statistical Analysis Ctr
• Corporate Author: University of Louisville
• Sale Source: NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

A telephone survey of 478 Missouri residents in July 1990 gathered information about their opinions about drug abuse, its relationship to crime, and other topics.

Abstract

The participants were selected randomly. Thirty-six percent mentioned drug abuse as the most serious problem facing the United States today; twenty-seven percent considered crime the most serious problem. They considered less serious the problems related to the environment, the economy, care for the needy and the elderly, and alcohol abuse. Thirty-one percent also perceived drug involvement to be the most important cause of juvenile delinquency. The respondents felt that cocaine and heroin are much more dangerous than marijuana. Fifty-seven percent favored treatment as the best way to handle drug users, while 40 percent favored arrest and prosecution. One-fourth reported having a friend, relative, or acquaintance who currently uses illegal drugs regularly, while 39 percent reported knowing someone who regularly abuses alcohol. Most opposed legalization of currently illicit drugs. They recommended increased taxes and shifts of funds from other public programs as ways to increase antidrug efforts. Appended tables