The facts don't lie. Crime statistics indicate that violent crime and other categories of crime have fallen dramatically over the past 30 years. Since 1992 the violent crime rate is down almost 50% and the property crime rate is down more than 40%. In addition, drug use has declined between 15% and 50% for various drugs. Statistics show that less than 3% of state inmates and less than 1% of federal inmates are actually serving time for drug possession alone. The picture painted by reformers and by the Attorney General of a broken system and prisons stuffed with non-violent drug possessors is clearly not reality.
[Note: See ONDCP report at www.prisonpolicy.org]
Often forgotten in the policy debates is that drug trafficking itself is a crime of violence. Firearms and gang intimidation are tools of the drug trade, but even those who are involved in the less visible and less violent aspects of drug trafficking are responsible for the delivery of poison that results in abuse, addiction, and overdose deaths for more than 30,000 of our citizens each year. Drug traffickers do not discriminate - they sell their products to anyone who wants them, and by doing so they facilitate the ruin of American lives.
There are ways to improve outcomes and reduce costs in the criminal justice system, and ways to reduce recidivism through effective reentry programs. Diversion programs and drug courts have been proven to be very effective. Access to effective treatment for incarcerated addicts is essential. Proven prevention programs should be spread widely. We support those efforts. It is also important to remember that all of those who enter diversion programs and drug courts and many who enter treatment programs end up there because of the efforts of law enforcement. If not for intervention by law enforcement, many of those people would not have access to treatment.
It is essential to acknowledge that the totality of our crime and drug control policies – including sentencing policies – of the past 30 years have been successful in reducing crime and drug use. Reformers often talk about failed policies and a “broken system”, but the fact is that our policies have largely had
their intended effect.
Research shows that social disapproval of drug use, helped in large measure by the fact that drug use is illegal, leads to less demand for drugs and therefore less use. Research also shows that when cultural approval of drug use increases, drug demand and availability increases, followed by use. The costs to society of increased drug use and increased recidivism are massive. Statistics show the crime and drug use costs American society billions of dollars every year.
As we work to improve criminal justice policies and reduce costs we must keep these facts in mind. If we step backward on drug and sentencing policies, we will likely see a reversal in progress on crime and drug use rates and an increase in financial costs to society. Parents, communities, and the nation at large cannot afford to backslide on crime and drug policy.
The men and women on the front lines of law enforcement - including America's narcotic officers - have played a vital role in our nation's crime and drug use reductions over the last 30 years. The voices and real-world perspectives of those officers must be considered as policy makers address these issues. We look forward to working with policy makers to build on our historic accomplishments and continue improving criminal justice outcomes.
National Narcotics Officers Association Coalition Website: www.www.natlnarc.org
