NCJ Number
230368
Date Published
2010
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This case study of the Drug Market Initiative in Rockford, IL, examines the strategy used to counter long-established drug markets.
Abstract
Using a data-driven approach built on a promising practice developed in High Point, NC, the Drug Market Initiative has shown promise in countering drug markets in a high-crime neighborhood, as evidenced by the reduction in targeted offenses 1 year after the strategy's implementation. The strategy adopted was modeled after a "pulling levers" intervention. This is a multi-stage approach that concentrates on increasing sanctions for repeat offenders who commit targeted crimes. In addition, efforts focused on deterrence-based messages designed to inform previous offenders that future violations would not be tolerated and that pursuing a more positive and prosocial way of life would be beneficial for them. After RPD officers and officials were informed of the multiple stages and procedures of the drug market "pulling levers" strategy, they decided to implement the initiative in a targeted high-crime neighborhood with drug markets and drug-related property crime. As a first step, the RPD boarded up the property of an abandoned school were a significant amount of illegal drug distribution was occurring and mounted a camera on the building. RPD officials believed that this initial effort would provide residents with a tangible sign that efforts were being made to address drug-related crime. RPD personnel also held a meeting with local residents in order to solicit information about their concerns and the crime that was being driven by the presence of the open-air drug market. RPD officials also contacted several key criminal justice agencies, social service agencies, and community groups, so as to ensure that members from various agencies and groups were willing to collaborate in achieving the goals of the intervention strategy. 1 table, 3 figures, and 10 notes