Drug Trends and Distribution in Illinois: A Survey of Drug Task Forces

Date

8/22/2016

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority

Abstract

In Illinois, the distribution of controlled substances is a significant problem and task forces were created to combat the distribution of controlled substances at the local level. This study sought to understand the extent of the drug problem in the jurisdictions covered by each drug task force. Authority researchers surveyed 19 authority-funded drug task forces on types of drugs, frequency, trends, use, and distribution. Almost half of the police chiefs and sheriffs identified heroin as the greatest drug threat. Key findings include the need to collaborate to combat the spread of heroin, train law enforcement officers to prevent heroin overdoses, and enhance community outreach by providing information about substance use.

Description

In Illinois, the distribution of controlled substances is a significant problem and task forces were created to combat the distribution of controlled substances at the local level. This study sought to understand the extent of the drug problem in the jurisdictions covered by each drug task force. Authority researchers surveyed 19 authority-funded drug task forces on types of drugs, frequency, trends, use, and distribution. Almost half of the police chiefs and sheriffs identified heroin as the greatest drug threat. Key findings include the need to collaborate to combat the spread of heroin, train law enforcement officers to prevent heroin overdoses, and enhance community outreach by providing information about substance use.

Keywords

Controlled Substances

Citation

DOI