Kappeler: Community Policing, 6th Edition


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.

Questions

  1. What affect has high level enforcement has on the drug trade
  2. Correct Answer

    The data suggests high level enforcement has little impact on the availability and price of drugs on the street. It is better to focus on the consumer to reduce drug use.


  3. What types of education has focused on younger people in reference to drug use and how successful has it been.
  4. Correct Answer

    One of the largest and most funded programs to educate young people about the dangers of drugs is DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education). However the research on DARE suggest that it is not successful at reducing drug usage by juveniles.


  5. What have some communities done to eliminate drugs?
  6. Correct Answer

    Some communities have focused on gang violence associated with drug trafficking in order to prevent organized criminal activity. Additionally, some communities have attempted to prevent children from experimenting with drugs.


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