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Examination of the Productivity and Perceived Effectiveness of Drug Task Forces

NCJ Number
181833
Journal
Police Quarterly Volume: 1 Issue: 3 Dated: 1998 Pages: 85-107
Author(s)
Eric S. Jefferis; James Frank; Brad W. Smith; Kenneth J. Novak; Lawrence F. Travis III
Date Published
1998
Length
23 pages
Annotation
This article examines the productivity and perceived effectiveness of drug task forces.
Abstract
Multijurisdictional drug task forces formalize cooperative ventures and dedicate attention to drug crime with the assumption that it will lead to more effective drug law enforcement. This improvement in drug enforcement is hypothesized to benefit the task forces not only in the number of drug arrests achieved, but also in enhanced communication and cooperation among individual members. Using data collected from a survey of task force leaders, grant applications and quarterly arrest reports, this study compared effectiveness across task forces and organizational contexts. Findings indicate that differences in task force organizational structure, context and managerial factors may not affect the number of drug-related arrests, though they may influence the level of perceived effectiveness. Anecdotal evidence suggests that individual commander characteristics are likely to contribute to task force productivity levels. Qualitative information may provide data that would allow an examination of the relationship between task force leadership and productivity. Tables, references