“Politicians Call for Enhanced Policing of Drug Dealers, but Experts Urge Caution and Focus on Prevention”

National Politicians Want Cop Crackdowns on Drug Dealers, but Experts Warn of Cost to Lives

July 5, 2023 | 6:32 PM ET

Heard on All Things Considered

By Brian Mann

Introduction

A growing coalition of U.S. politicians is calling for tougher police tactics to be used against gangs involved in the sale of dangerous drugs such as fentanyl, methamphetamines, and xylazine. However, experts argue that these tough tactics can actually exacerbate the overdose crisis and cost lives. A recent study published in the American Journal of Public Health reveals that drug busts and police crackdowns can disrupt the illegal drug market, leading to unintended consequences such as increased overdose rates. This controversial study, based on data from Indianapolis, Indiana, challenges the long-standing strategy of using law enforcement to address the drug epidemic. As politicians continue to advocate for harsher penalties for drug dealers, it is crucial to critically examine the impact of these approaches on public health and explore alternative strategies.

Unintended Consequences of Current Approaches

The traditional approach of conducting drug sweeps and seizures, which has been a cornerstone of America’s war on drugs since the 1970s, may be doing more harm than good. The study conducted in Indianapolis found a correlation between drug seizures and an increase in overdoses in the surrounding area. Jennifer Carroll, a medical anthropologist and co-author of the study, explains that when the drug supply is disrupted, people with addiction often turn to unfamiliar sources for drugs, leading to an increased risk of purchasing substances with different potencies and potentially dangerous ingredients. Additionally, when individuals experiencing addiction are unable to access drugs for even a short period, their tolerance levels change, making them more susceptible to overdose and death. Therefore, it can be argued that these enforcement measures are indirectly contributing to the harm caused by illicit substance use.

Reevaluating the Effectiveness of Law Enforcement

Brandon Del Pozo, a former police chief and co-author of the study, emphasizes that the evidence is clear: heavy law enforcement tactics, including drug-bust operations, do not effectively improve safety or reduce drug availability in communities. Despite the fact that these tactics have been in use for decades, drug prices are lower, drugs are more readily available, and their potency and toxicity have increased. The devastating record number of fatal overdoses in the United States, reflecting roughly 110,000 deaths in the previous year alone, suggests that this conventional approach is failing to save lives.

Exploring Alternative Approaches

While the urgency to combat the dangers of drugs like fentanyl is understandable, it is crucial to seek strategies that prioritize public health and harm reduction. Criminalization, as Carroll argues, has not been effective in saving lives. Instead, experts suggest a comprehensive public health approach that focuses on prevention, treatment, and harm reduction measures. This entails enhancing coordination and communication between law enforcement agencies and public health bodies to ensure that individuals with addiction have access to treatment options and harm reduction services. Furthermore, alternative models, such as the Police Assisted Addiction and Recovery Initiative, highlight the importance of collaboration between law enforcement, public health, behavioral health, and harm reduction organizations to address the underlying causes of addiction and prevent further harm.

The Call for Action

As politicians continue to advocate for tougher penalties and increased law enforcement efforts, it is crucial to consider the evidence and expert opinions that challenge the effectiveness of these approaches. The focus should be on evidence-based strategies that prioritize public health, harm reduction, and community support. By addressing the root causes of addiction and providing comprehensive treatment and support, it is possible to have a more meaningful impact on the overdose crisis. Policymakers and law enforcement agencies must work together with public health experts to develop new strategies that prioritize public safety and the wellbeing of individuals struggling with addiction.

As Sen. Catherine Masto Cortez, the lead sponsor of a bill to toughen penalties for dealing xylazine, acknowledges the emergent threat of dangerous substances, it is important to understand that enhancing penalties alone is not a solution. A wider public health strategy that integrates law enforcement with prevention, treatment, and harm reduction measures is vital. By rethinking current approaches, we can better address the complex issues surrounding drug use and work towards saving lives and creating safer communities.

Keywords: prevention, drug dealers, enhanced policing, politicians, experts, caution