Criminal Justice
Addressing the Drug Problem in the United States
The need to respond to the drug problem in the country cannot be overemphasized and requires efforts by all players in society, right from law enforcement to healthcare and social services. However, law enforcement, as well as the criminal justice system in its entirety, must coordinate with other sectors to combat the drug problem (DHHS, 2013). Prevention entails a host of non-coercive as well as coercive strategies where law enforcement agents channel a considerable amount of resources to enforcing stinger regulations in critical areas like borders while the justice system is applying harsh sentences aimed at propagating the concept of “getting tough on crime” through mandatory sentencing rules at state and federal levels.
Being in charge of the war on drugs means that one must develop collaborative and sectorial responses where coordinated efforts involve all sectors of society (Sederer, 2016). The enforcement of laws like the mandatory sentencing and activities that proactively entail seeking ways to find drug problems is essential in waging war against drugs in the country. In the backdrop of increased resource allocation to the war on drugs by state and federal agents, it is crucial to ensure that police officer and other players in the justice system like those in parole and probation make concerted efforts to create programs that reduce recidivism (Lopez, 2016). Social workers and health care providers should have increased programs that focus on the effective rehabilitation of offenders and reduce reoffending (Savic et al., 2017). The implication is they should have initiatives that develop evidence-based responses on how drug addicts should not experience relapses and go back to using drugs.
Controlling the source and manufacture of drugs before they get to the market is a critical aspect of fighting the problem of drugs. The implication is that having effective border monitoring and patrols on the highways as well as increased community programs that create awareness about the harmful effects of drug use is essential in addressing the problem. As observed by Levinthal (2012), law enforcement and collaborative approach to the question can help leaders tackle the issue and increase controls. Border security should remain a top priority as well as traffic stops and searches on vehicles.
References
Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS) (2013). Addressing Prescription Drug Abuse
in the United States: Current Activities and Future Opportunities. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/pdf/hhs_prescription_drug_abuse_report_09.2013.pdf
Levinthal, C. (2012). Drugs, society, and criminal justice (3rd ed.). Boston: Prentice Hall:
Pearson Education.
Lopez, G. (2016). America can end its war on drugs. Here’s how. Retrieved from
https://www.vox.com/2016/4/25/11445454/end-war-on-drugs
Savic, M., Best, D., Manning, V., & Lubman, D. I. (2017). Strategies to facilitate integrated care
for people with alcohol and other drug problems: a systematic review. Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy, Vol.12, No.19.
Sederer, L. (2016). Take Action Against Addiction. Retrieved from
https://www.usnews.com/opinion/blogs/policy-dose/articles/2016-02-01/10-ways-to-combat-americas-drug-abuse-problem