NCJ Number
129342
Journal
Clearinghouse Review Volume: 24 Issue: 5 Dated: special issue (1990) Pages: 435-447
Date Published
1990
Length
13 pages
Annotation
Eliminating the influence of drugs from public and subsidized housing requires a multifaceted approach that includes improved security, treatment for and constructive alternatives to drug use, and eviction.
Abstract
Steps to improve security in public housing involve increased police presence, security lights, tenant patrols, tenant involvement with police and security forces, reducing vacancies in housing developments, vandal-proof locks and doors, security bars on windows, and intercoms and buzzer systems in building entrances. Federal, State, and local programs and funding sources are available to improve security. In 1988, for example, the Public Housing Drug Elimination Program was created. This program authorizes the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to make grants to public housing authorities (PHA's) for security personnel and investigators and payments to local police departments for extra services, tenant patrols, and physical improvements. The Comprehensive Improvement and Assistance Program provides funds for security-related improvements and reconfiguration to create defensible space. Another Federal source of funds is the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. In 1989, HUD announced the availability of $2.4 million in CDBG funds for sports and recreational activities, the goal being to provide constructive alternatives to drug use in public housing projects. Some PHA's have developed drug treatment and prevention programs and have taken actions to regain physical control of their premises. Perhaps the most widely known tactic for dealing with drugs in public and subsidized housing is the eviction of tenants who are involved in drug-related activity. HUD has encouraged PHA's to bypass the judicial eviction process and seize public housing tenants' homes under forfeiture statutes. HUD has also issued regulations allowing PHA's to withdraw subsidies from certificate and voucher tenants accused of drug-related criminal activity. 84 endnotes