NIJ Evaluates Drug Control Projects

Between 1989 and 1991, NIJ awarded nearly $12 million for the evaluation of State and local anti-drug programs, with funding support from the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA). These evaluations focused on police crackdowns, community policing, new court practices, sanctions targeted at both casual and persistent drug users, and promising approaches to monitoring and controlling the behavior of convicted offenders. NIJ's evaluation efforts are intended to enhance knowledge of what works to prevent and control crime and disorder, particularly in the area of drug abuse. NIJ and BJA annually cosponsor an evaluation conference in Washington, D.C.; the 1991 conference attracted more than 400 Federal, State, and local participants. Evaluation projects initiated by NIJ in 1992 include a national assessment of State evaluations, an assessment of State- level evaluation capacity, and a compendium of State drug program evaluation findings. Other 1992 evaluation efforts funded by NIJ focus on gang prevention and intervention; family violence prevention; drug market analysis; a correctional options demonstration program; a denial of Federal benefits program for persons convicted of drug possession or trafficking; Operation Weed and Seed to combat crime, drug use, and gang activity in high-crime neighborhoods; and Boys and Girls Clubs in public housing. Data on NIJ drug program evaluation funding for fiscal year 1991 are tabulated.