Alternatives to Drug Arrests

Alternatives to Drug Arrests

David Kennedy, professor at the John Jay School of Criminal Justice in New York, wrote: “In most cities there is a population of very high-rate, low-level repeat offenders. There’s a heavy overlap between these folks, and drug and alcohol problems, [and] mental illness. If what we were doing was working, they would not be high-rate repeat offenders” (Pendley, 2015).

Take a position. Do you agree or disagree that current law enforcement efforts to arrest drug offenders is not working?

First, title your initial post either “Law enforcement SHOULD place an emphasis on arresting drug offenders” or “Law enforcement SHOULD NOT place an emphasis on arresting drug offenders.”

Then, make your case. What do you see as the role of law enforcement in the declared “war on drugs”? Should law enforcement prioritize arresting offenders, or should they seek alternative treatment options? What are the consequences or benefits of alternative treatment to the offender? The victim? Other stakeholders? Is it always appropriate to arrest an offender? Why or why not?

Reference

Pendley, C. (2015, December 2). How some cities are helping drug offenders instead of arresting them. VICE. https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/gqmkmq/how-some-american-cities-actually-help-drug-offenders-rather-than-arresting-them

Check our essay writing services here

APA

Alternatives to Drug Arrests

The current approach to drug enforcement, which emphasizes arrests, has proven to be ineffective in addressing the underlying causes of drug addiction and criminal behavior. As David Kennedy highlights, the persistence of high-rate, low-level repeat offenders demonstrates that the system is not solving the root problems of addiction, mental illness, and socioeconomic challenges. Arresting drug offenders often perpetuates a cycle of incarceration, stigma, and recidivism without providing meaningful solutions.

Role of Law Enforcement in the “War on Drugs”

The primary role of law enforcement in the “war on drugs” should not be punitive but rehabilitative and preventative. Instead of focusing on arrests, law enforcement should collaborate with social services and healthcare providers to connect offenders to treatment programs, mental health services, and community support systems. Programs like drug courts, diversion programs, and…