NCJ Number
128532
Journal
Journal of State Government Volume: 63 Issue: 2 Dated: special issue (April-June 1990) Pages: 52-54
Date Published
1990
Length
3 pages
Annotation
A comprehensive drug war must involve Federal, State, and local levels of government as well as every community and citizen and must address prevention, education, treatment, early interdiction, and law enforcement.
Abstract
The proposition that local governments are better equipped to receive and administer Federal program funds is currently being enunciated in relation to the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988. The nation's governors have responded to the drug crisis by supporting prevention, education, and treatment along with apprehension, adjudication, and incarceration for drug dealers. These governors recognize that successful antidrug programs depend on coordinated State strategies that are not impeded by jurisdictional limitations and that permit Federal and State funds to be used for effective and accountable programs. The State of Michigan has created the Office of Drug Agencies to insure comprehensive planning and coordination of drug control activities. Michigan's drug strategy stresses collaborative efforts through 23 multijurisdictional teams comprised of State troopers, county sheriffs, and municipal police. Teams share informational resources of participating law enforcement agencies. Few communities have sufficient resources to combat drug abuse alone. States are in a unique position of helping local governments, and the primary responsibility for developing effective antidrug strategies should remain with State governments. This requires recognizing legitimate concerns of local government and implementing programs that meet the needs of the entire State. 6 references