Strategies for Improving Coordination between Enforcement and Treatment Efforts in Controlling Illegal Drug Use

Abstract

Improved coordination between law enforcement, prevention, and treatment efforts is a goal articulated by almost all policymakers concerned with reducing the use of illegal drugs. This paper reviews what is currently known about interactions between these alternative intervention strategies and identifies a number of problems that impede better coordination between them — including organizational incentives, differences in philosophy, and differences in the timing of impacts. Programmatic strategies suggested for overcoming these impediments include particular forms of training, the use of joint task forces, and the assignment of liaison personnel.