An Economic Analysis of Desistance from Street-level Drug Dealing
Author | : Lisa Marie Vasquez |
Publisher | : |
Total Pages | : 56 |
Release | : 2010 |
Genre | : Drug abuse and crime |
ISBN | : |
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Overt drug markets - street dealing, drug houses, and the like -- are amongst the most severe sources of violence and disorder in certain communities. Traditional enforcement tactics have not been successful in closing these markets. While the Drug Market Intervention (DMI) has shown promise in reducing drug and violent crime, it has created adaptive difficulties regarding finances for operators within these markets. This research used in-depth interviews to explore economic changes by former street-level drug dealers associated with the Terrace and Bedell DMI in Hempstead Village, New York. Special attention was paid to prior and current sources of income and any displacement into alternative illegalities. Results indicate that few participants held legitimate employment prior to implementation of the DMI, and more than half are currently employed. Additionally, a small amount of displacement was reported post-DMI. The findings from this study extend the existing literature concerning the financial practices of street-level drug dealers in ways that help policy makers and practitioners design and implement innovative and effective police practices.