Overview
Policing and law enforcement have been central to all aspects of drug policy debates for over a decade. This book develops previous research by the author and is organized in three sections as follows-Section 1 analyzes the rationale for drug enforcement and evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of four main approachcs. It also looks at pressure on the police to take local drugs, particularly within a context where the police emphasize their responsiveness to public demands in a more 'consumerist' age. lt concludes with an evaluation of the debate over whether drugs ought to be legalized or not.
Section 2 focuses more on the media and coverage of crack-cocaine and ecstasy in the 1990's particularly where these have been based on police briefings and reports. One chapter develops this by looking at the ways in which the 'yardies' have been constructed and represented as the 'new black mafia'. While argument problematizes media representations, a third chapter takes issue with the conventional view that the media is presenting a moral panic.
Section 3 examines welfarist policies directed towards drug users and minor drug offenders. An important feature of this has been the development of inter-agency initiatives between the police and drugs advice agencies. The background to this development is examined using a number of case studies to illusrate some of the lessons learnt at local levels.
Synopsis
Policing and law enforcement have been central to all aspects of drug policy debates for over a decade. This book develops previous research by the author and is organized in three sections as follows-
Section 1 analyzes the rationale for drug enforcement and evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of four main approachcs. It also looks at pressure on the police to take local drugs, particularly within a context where the police emphasize their responsiveness to public demands in a more 'consumerist' age. lt concludes with an evaluation of the debate over whether drugs ought to be legalized or not.
Section 2 focuses more on the media and coverage of crack-cocaine and ecstasy in the 1990's particularly where these have been based on police briefings and reports. One chapter develops this by looking at the ways in which the 'yardies' have been constructed and represented as the 'new black mafia'. While argument problematizes media representations, a third chapter takes issue with the conventional view that the media is presenting a moral panic.
Section 3 examines welfarist policies directed towards drug users and minor drug offenders. An important feature of this has been the development of inter-agency initiatives between the police and drugs advice agencies. The background to this development is examined using a number of case studies to illusrate some of the lessons learnt at local levels.
Booknews
Presents perspectives on drug enforcement strategies, drug referral, and official and media reactions to drugs in the UK. Looks at debates on drug legalization, policing and demand management, case studies of drug referral programs, crack and social reaction, representations of Yardies, and drugs, media, and moral panic. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.