To study the barriers of narcotic arrest-conviction rates, 255 narcotic officers were surveyed. It was argued that in-service training and advanced education among narcotic law enforcement officers was the major factor influencing narcotic arrest-conviction rates. While the data showed the hypothesis was supported, it showed that a lack of cooperation between law enforcement agencies, inadequate equipment/technology, and inexperienced prosecutors were greater predictors of arrest-conviction rates than well trained, educated officers. One implication of these findings is that the very nature of narcotic enforcement fosters a contradiction of law and order producing officer alienation. Further, narcotic officers fail to view themselves as part of a larger social structure furthering the sociological imagination perspective. One recommendation is that a state narcotic agency outside local jurisdiction be created to enforce all drug violations. Further research should be conducted concerning narcotic officer corruption and the war on drugs.
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References
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Their sample consisted of members of the Narcotics Law Enforcement Officers Association (NCNLEOA) whose membership consisted of approximately 535 sworn officers in North Carolina.
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Certainly, some police work leads to stress which might hinder the performance of an officer, yet this researcher could argue that high levels of stress are products of the above obstacles which are treatable within the immediate framework of a police agency. This thought finds support among writers like Finn (1997) and Kureczka (1996) who argue that pro-active steps can be taken in critical incident stress management, for example, that will curb stressful behavior. Yet, if the catalyst to stress goes on checked, quality of police service will be affected.
In fact, that might be one reason why there were more participants in this study than expected. That is, the population group polled consisted of 554 members from one organization and yet 255 of them responded to the questionnaire.
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This study is conducted by Dennis J. Stevens at Mount Olive College and is designed to further an earlier study concluded through the NCJA in cooperation with NCNLEOA. The information you give is confidential and will be compared with data provided by other narcotic officers to better understand both your experiences and your needs. Do not write your name on this questionnaire. Your cooperation is appreciated, and your comments will enhance our findings.
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They participants reported an average of 3.94 arrests per work week or 1,004 total arrests which might translate to (times 50 weeks) 50,200 yearly arrests on the high side to a low side of (times 38 weeks; due to training, bookkeeping, and other duties rather than enforcement) 38,152 annual arrests by this group. (std. Deviation 3.65).
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