Discusses the use of the SMART crime prevention methodology used in Oakland, California.

First published in 1998, this influential volume develops previous research by the author and explores issues and solutions regarding the roles of law enforcement, drug referral and official and media reactions. Section one analyzes the rationale for drug enforcement and evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of four main approaches. It looks at the pressure on the police to take action in local drugs markets, particularly within a context where the police emphasize their responsiveness to public demands in a more "consumerist" age. Section two examines welfarist policies directed towards drug users and minor drug offenders. Section 3 focuses on the media and coverage of crack-cocaine and ecstasy in the 1990s - particularly where these have been based upon police briefings and reports.

This book fills a void in the literature by examining from a scientific perspective the official police response to drugs, drug use, abuse, and dealing and how the different levels of police agencies process drug cases. Current drug texts simply do not address the drug problem from a criminal justice or criminological perspective in a clear, consistent fashion. At the beginning of each chapter, a series of critical thinking questions is provided. Throughout each chapter, a series of tables, figures, and charts are used to illustrate themes considered. With these items, critical thinking questions are included below each respective item. The text also makes use of Internet technology, inasmuch as students are referred to recommended Internet sites throughout each chapter. Many of these Internet sites deal with pharmacological and biological aspects of drug use. Three unique pedagogical features of the book will help students learn various drug-related issues. First, a box insert titled 'In the Streets' appears in each chapter that includes a discussion about some aspects of drug use related to the chapter's focus. A second box titled 'Tabloid Justice' also appears in each chapter discussing a particular celebrity's battles with drug abuse as it was considered in the press. A third box, 'Drugs and Research,' in each chapter highlights a specific drug study that should be of interest to students. This book will appeal to a number of criminal justice, criminology, and sociology program courses on drug abuse. Professionals interested in learning more about the criminal justice response to the drug problem, as well as police academies may also find the book useful.