More progress in drug reform policy

Nicky Eyle of ReconsiDer checks in this morning with a report from the City Auditor of Syracuse, NY. ReconsiDer worked closely with the auditor on this project, which encompassed the first such hearings, held by a municipal government of their own accord, in the country.

The report finds of the 28,800 arrests, over 6,300, or 21.9 % resulted from drug-related incidents. Drug-related arrests exceeded arrests for assaults, disturbances, and larcenies combined. Of these, 31.5% of the arrests were for marijuana.

It goes on to say, "When asked about their concerns related to “drugs,” citizens at neighborhood meetings universally referred to the violence and quality-of-life issues associated with drug distribution in their neighborhood. They stated that they were not concerned about individuals using drugs in private."

I particularly liked these findings myself. "A significant number of persons is arrested daily for drug-related activity. The number is so high that we can calculate that if the strategy were successful, we would soon run out of persons to arrest. ...Still, the arrests continue year after year. If the purpose of the policy is to change behavior and reduce the use of drugs, the policy is not achieving its goal. The drug activity is continuing with an ever-increasing spiral of violence."

It closes with a recommendation that the city of Syracuse study and adopt alternative methods of dealing with drug offenders. It's a very encouraging step towards sane policy and we commend ReconsiDer for their crucial role in the drafting of this historic document. The full report is available here.