How Can Drug-Related Crimes be Reduced?

First off, this big question entails big and concrete solutions. Let this article be an attempt to cover the potential solutions to reduce drug-related crimes with solutions also coming from various bodies of research.

By Qrius

Following the significant recent political changes, such as the collapse of communism and the emergence of multinational super-states to enhance trade, illicit drugs have become a major global concern in recent decades.

Everyone worries about it and is constantly looking for ways to reduce drug-related crimes. The State of New Jersey, for example, is among the states that continues to seek ways to decrease the number of drug-related crimes.

Despite increased cooperation between law enforcement agencies in different countries, illicit drug problems appear to be on the rise in the future, owing to its continuously growing demand, potential profits available, and increasingly liberal attitudes toward drugs among young people.

Nevertheless, it’s worth noting that our policemen remain our first line of defense against crimes and drugs. The more we can establish strengthened relationships between local populations and law enforcement agencies, the more secure our communities can become.

Potential Solutions to Reduce Drug-Related Crimes

Positive Coordination Among Entities Involved

Individual anti-drug initiatives are more effective when law enforcement authorities work together instead of being against each other. We strengthen our total capabilities by increasingly reinforcing one another, establishing shared priorities, reducing conflicts between operations, exchanging information and resources, and focusing energies throughout the spectrum of criminal activities.

This is something that has been widely overlooked that can also greatly make a difference when properly maneuvered by those in the authorities.

Treatments for Drug Addictions

The link between drugs and criminality is well understood. Interestingly, drug addicts are arrested for three to five times as many crimes as non-drug users. Although almost three-quarters of prison inmates and more than half of those in prisons or on probation are substance abusers, barely 10 to 20% of those jailed receive treatment.

It is insufficient to simply punish drug addicts. Addiction must be treated if crimes are to be minimized permanently. The potential relapse can be reduced by half if we provide them treatment while they are in custody, in prison, or under post-incarceration.

Fair Sentencing Structures

Drug trafficking has decreased as a result of initiatives targeting gangs and violent crimes. In the United States, gangs are engaged in drug distribution chains, and drug organizations frequently use violence. With that, it is crucial that we have sentencing structures that are fair so as not to undermine law enforcement.

As a result, the administration plans to change the cocaine penalty structure in 1998, focusing federal law enforcement on significant crack and powder cocaine distributors rather than small, street-level sellers. This move will ensure that federal, state, and local authorities have clear lines of responsibilities.

Honest Drug Education in Schools

Although police services continue to play an important role in limiting the availability of illicit drugs, more focus must be placed on reducing demand, which includes more readily available and effective preventive drug education in schools.

Despite its flaws, most schools in the United States offer drug education programs based on abstinence-only thinking. We need honest drug education programs that provide children with tools to make safe decisions or seek help if they have problems with alcohol and other substances.

Moreover, abstinence-only education has a tendency to make youngsters skeptical of any drug information provided by adults. Of course, it’s undeniable that some teenagers utilize drugs. As a result, any approach to drug education that focuses on keeping kids safe must give information on how young people can lower the risk if they or their friends do take drugs.

It would also be nice if entities involved in these drug education programs can hire a CDS lawyer in New Jersey, for example, to tackle legal procedures alongside police protocols. This is not because we assume them doing it eventually, but to empower them in hopes that they would avoid it once they are fully aware of the consequences.

Conclusion

The relationship between crime and drug use is intricate. Many repeat criminals abuse illegal drugs, and drug addiction can exacerbate criminal behavior. Even stricter law enforcement methods have also led to the increase of criminal acts. Instead, it should be all about reducing the market itself by altering the sentencing structures to make them fair as well as considering higher quality treatment programs and policy reforms.