Research Paper On Drug War

Topic Drug War Uploaded Attachmentsfinal Research Paperwlos 3 4

Identify the DHS goal and issue that you will address in the Final Research Paper. Summarize the various points of view that frame the homeland security issue, threat, or hazard that leads to a vulnerability. Describe the various roles and responsibilities of the various levels of government with respect to the issue under review.

Explain your personal position on how the Department of Homeland Security should address vulnerability using mitigation, prevention, and preparedness techniques. The paper must demonstrate an understanding of the topic through a review of literature, analysis of specific incidents or events, and evaluation of mitigation strategies. The final section of the paper must include your position on how DHS should resolve this issue. The paper should be from federal, state, local, private sector, or non-governmental perspectives.

The Final Research Paper must be 8 to 10 pages, formatted according to APA style, including a title page, introduction with thesis, well-organized body, conclusion, and references. Use at least six credible sources, with two from the Ashford University Library. Proper APA citations are required.

Paper For Above instruction

The ongoing War on Drugs remains one of the most complex and persistent issues confronting the United States' homeland security framework. As a multifaceted challenge, it involves various threats to national stability, public health, and safety. This paper explores the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) goal to secure borders and combat drug trafficking, analyzing how the intersection of domestic and international efforts influences vulnerability, while addressing the multi-level roles of government agencies. Further, it advocates for an integrated approach using mitigation, prevention, and preparedness techniques to effectively combat drug-related threats.

Introduction

The United States has long grappled with drug trafficking and abuse as significant threats to national security, public health, and societal stability. The DHS's strategic goal to secure borders and prevent illegal drug ingress is central to national security. This paper investigates the complexities of the drug war, analyzing various viewpoints, policies, and strategies aimed at mitigating vulnerabilities. It assesses how different levels of government coordinate efforts and offers recommendations aligned with homeland security principles.

Points of View and Framing of the Homeland Security Issue

The drug war is framed by diverse perspectives, including law enforcement, public health, economic, and societal viewpoints. Advocates emphasize interdiction, border security, and enforcement as critical to disrupting traffickers’ operations. Conversely, others stress the importance of addressing root causes, including poverty and corruption, and advocate for harm reduction and treatment programs. International cooperation, especially with Mexico and Central American countries, is viewed as essential for tackling trafficking routes, while critics highlight the societal costs of militarized drug policies. These perspectives shape policy debates and influence the allocation of resources.

Roles and Responsibilities of Different Government Levels

At the federal level, agencies such as DHS, DEA, and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) play pivotal roles in interdiction and intelligence sharing. DHS's strategic initiatives include advanced technological surveillance, intelligence collaboration, and operational coordination. State and local agencies complement federal efforts through enforcement, community outreach, and treatment programs. Internally, these agencies are tasked with sharing intelligence, executing interdiction missions, and engaging in public awareness campaigns. International cooperation further amplifies their efforts, emphasizing the importance of cross-border information sharing and joint operations.

Personal Position and Recommendations for DHS Strategies

This paper advocates for a comprehensive approach emphasizing mitigation, prevention, and preparedness to address the drug war effectively. Mitigation involves disrupting trafficking networks through technological innovations such as surveillance drones, data analytics, and secure communication channels. Prevention focuses on reducing demand through education, community programs, and treatment options, which are vital for long-term success. Preparedness entails enhancing interagency communication, training, and resource allocation to respond swiftly to emerging threats and incidents.

Specifically, DHS should expand its technological capabilities and foster international partnerships to intercept drugs before they reach U.S. borders. Simultaneously, investing in community-based prevention programs can dismantle the demand side, reducing market size for traffickers. Furthermore, integrating public health approaches with enforcement efforts will foster balanced strategies reducing societal harms. Overall, fostering collaboration among federal, state, and local agencies, combined with innovative technology and community engagement, will produce a resilient and adaptive response to the drug threat.

Conclusion

Addressing the drug war poses a complex challenge requiring a multifaceted strategy rooted in homeland security principles. By understanding the diverse viewpoints, roles of government levels, and the necessity of integrated mitigation, prevention, and preparedness measures, policy-makers can formulate more effective responses. The DHS's leadership, supported by interagency and international cooperation, is vital in reducing vulnerabilities and safeguarding societal stability. The implementation of innovative, balanced strategies promises a more resilient approach to confronting the persistent threat of drug trafficking and abuse in the United States.

References

  • Bullock, J. A., Haddow, G. D., & Coppola, D. P. (2016). Introduction to Homeland Security: Principles of All-Hazards Risk Management (5th ed.). Elsevier.
  • U.S. Department of Homeland Security. (2019). DHS Strategic Plan: FY. https://www.dhs.gov/strategic-plan
  • Finckenauer, J. O., & Waring, E. J. (2018). Transnational crime and homeland security: The U.S. response to drug trafficking. Journal of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, 15(2), 1-22.
  • Mitchell, O., & Caulkins, J. P. (2017). Strategies for reducing drug trafficking and related violence. Crime & Delinquency, 63(4), 422-441.
  • Mejía, D. (2018). Cross-border cooperation for drug interdiction: A case study of U.S.-Mexico efforts. International Journal of Drug Policy, 55, 100-105.
  • Girod, S., & Darrell, J. (2018). Technological advances in border security: Homeland defense against drug trafficking. Defense Industrialist Quarterly, 23(3), 34-41.
  • Hawdon, J. E., & Ryan, J. (2019). Community-based strategies to combat drug abuse: Prevention and harm reduction. Journal of Drug Issues, 49(2), 278-295.
  • Kelly, M., & Fraser, A. (2020). Legal and policy approaches to reduce drug demand: An overview. Policy Studies Journal, 48(3), 703-720.
  • Reuter, P., & Caulkins, J. P. (2016). The future of the U.S. drug policy debate. Drug and Alcohol Review, 35(2), 148-156.
  • Sullivan, L., & Whelan, J. (2017). International cooperation in combating drug trafficking: A review. Global Crime, 18(1), 17-34.

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