NCJ Number
123606
Date Published
1989
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This briefing paper attempts to outline and criticize the National Drug Control Strategy which consists of increased funding to law enforcement agencies, correctional and treatment facilities, and education programs.
Abstract
The plan would also increase sanctions for most drug-related offenses. The strategy is criticized for being mainly law enforcement oriented as opposed to emphasizing prevention, treatment, and education. It is argued that the drug problem cannot be solved strictly through law enforcement since there are many social factors that created the drug problem in the first place. It is also asserted that the recent drug war is not any different than past responses to drugs with the exception that vast amounts of resources are being devoted in the exact same fashion. With the massive increase in drug arrests and incarcerations that create a need for a new strategy, an argument is made that the present proposed strategy will only increase arrests and incarcerations. The briefing paper proposes increased job training and placement, school dropout prevention, child care programs, increased availability of drug treatment facilities, and increased resources devoted to prevention and education. 1 reference.