Illegal drugs in our cities have markedly affected the average citizen's perception of safety. It is expected that by the year 2000 the number of drug arrests will nearly equal the number of arrests for property crimes. With large amounts of cash involved in drug transactions, dealers are willing to take greater risks by openly taking over urban areas. Although police departments have increased greatly the number of drug-related arrests, generally the community lacks confidence in the ability of the police to control street level drug crime, violence between dealers, and property crime by addicts. Increased foot patrols and other efforts targeting specific locations identified by the community might discourage the casual user as well as increase the perception of public safety. 4 references.