Statement of Arnold P Jones Before the Senate Committee on the Judiciary and the House Select Committee on Narcotics Abuse and Control Concerning the Need for Strong Central Oversight of the Federal Government's 'War on Drugs,' May 14, 1987

• NCJ Number: 110161
• Author(s): A P Jones
• Date Published: 1987
• Length: 16 pages
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Type: Legislative/Regulatory Material
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

An official of the General Accounting Office (GAO) discusses the Federal antidrug efforts and supports the concept of strong central oversight of these efforts.

Abstract

Past reports and testimony from the GAO have recognized the need for strong central oversight. A 1979 GAO report made several recommendations about ways to promote a more cohesive and centralized oversight of Federal drug enforcement efforts. In 1984, the National Drug Enforcement Policy Board was established, with the Attorney General as chairman and representatives of nine other agencies and offices as members. The extent of the Board's activities and its effectiveness are not fully known, although the Board has undertaken several activities. It relies on cooperation rather than legal authority to carry out its efforts. In 1987, an Executive Order created a new board called the National Drug Policy Board, with a mission including both enforcement and demand reduction. Senate bill s.789 would establish a National Drug Control Policy to ensure that a single high-level official appointed by the president would direct Federal drug enforcement efforts. The objectives of the bill are consistent with the measures advocated by the GAO in the past. Appended history of changes in drug abuse control between 1968 and 1978.