Case Studies with Questions and Answers
Chapter 10: Community Policing and Drugs
The city of Columbus, Ohio has recently seen a rash of drug related arrests and drug related crime. Although drug use has been an issue in the past the recent increase has alarmed its citizens. Police Chief Ramirez has reviewed the crime data on drug related arrests and crimes. Chief Ramirez found that larceny and theft related to drug use has increased by 100%. Aggravated assaults due to drug use have increased by 200%. Driving under the influence of drugs has also increased by 75%. The number of homicides related to drug use has steadily increased over the past two decades. Finally, arrests for possession or sale of drugs have tripled. The City of Columbus, Ohio is currently in the process of implementing a full community policing strategy. Chief Ramirez would like to address drug use and crime committed while under the influence of drugs on all fronts.
Chief Ramirez would like to address the drug use problem by going after the production side. In other words he would like to go after the producers where ever they may be. This will require the cooperation of federal agencies when the producer is out of the country. However, since the majority of marijuana that is consumed in the United States is home grown he will be able to pursue those individuals.
Chief Ramirez would also like to address the drug problem in Columbus, Ohio at the retail level. In other words who is selling and buying the drugs on the street.
Chief Ramirez would also like to address the drug problem in Columbus, Ohio on the consumer end. In other words what can the community and the police do to stop consumption.