CPC.012.a07

WHEREAS, the law enforcement community is concerned with the magnitude of drug abuse, illicit production, and trafficking in narcotics, that threaten the health and well being of millions of persons, in particular youth, in all countries of the world; and

WHEREAS, the law enforcement community is extremely alarmed by the growing violence associated with illicit drug distribution and use, which has an immeasurable cost to society in terms of lost productivity, property loss, criminal justice expense, and human suffering; and

WHEREAS, the use of illegal drugs has been proven to harm the mental and physical development of children and young adults and result in criminal activity and convictions that harm the success of people in subsequent years; and

WHEREAS, several studies have shown that education about the hazards of drug abuse is an effective means to reduce drug abuse and thwart those who advocate the decriminalization of illegal substances; and

WHEREAS, prevention strategies can vary widely and generally are associated with community-based collaborations, education, alternative behaviors, and primary and early invention activities. According to the Office of National Drug Control Program, Helping coalitions sustain their community wide strategies can help reduce substance use at the local level. Consistent messages across multiple sectors of the community will, over time, produce young people capable of making healthy life choices; and

WHEREAS, recognizing that the problems caused by substance abuse and illicit trafficking can only be resolved through a balanced and integrated approach with many different parts of society; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED that the International Association of Chiefs of Police calls upon every chief of police and other law enforcement leaders to evaluate the extent of the drug problem in their community and develop an ongoing strategy to combat it, by establishing, nurturing, and maintaining partnerships with anti-drug programs, activities, and coalitions in their communities.