Review The Learning Resources And Share

For This Discussion Review The Learning Resources And Share Your Topi

For this discussion, review the learning resources and share your topic for your policy project. This provides an opportunity to share your ideas and receive suggestions or recommendations relevant to your project. Post your topic for your policy project, explain why you are interested in this topic, and why you believe a policy related to that topic needs to be created or evaluated. Identify the specific area(s) within that topic that your project will encompass. The relevant learning resources include:

• Bardach, E., & Patashnik, E. M. (2016). A practical guide for policy analysis: The eightfold path to more effective problem solving (5th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: CQ Press. Part 1, “The Eightfold Path” (pp. 1–82). This section provides an overview of Bardach's Eightfold Path approach to problem solving. It is recommended to familiarize yourself with these steps as you develop your policy project.
• Wilson, J. Q., & Petersilia, J. (2011). Crime and public policy. New York, NY: Oxford University Press. Chapter 9, “Race and the Administration of Criminal Justice in the United States” (pp. 237–256), discusses historical discrimination and contemporary debates on racial profiling, incarceration, and related issues. Chapter 13, “Drugs, Crime, and Public Policy” (pp. 368–410), explores the relationship between drug policies and crime, including policy recommendations in law, prevention, treatment, and law enforcement.
• Drug Policy Alliance. (2014). Cocaine and crack facts. Retrieved from [URL]

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The selection of a policy topic is a crucial step in the development of effective public policy solutions. For my policy project, I have chosen to focus on the criminal justice system's approach to drug-related offenses, particularly revolving around crack cocaine and powder cocaine. This topic is vital because of its profound implications on health, social equity, and public safety. Understanding the complexities of drug policies and their impact on marginalized communities is essential for crafting reforms that promote justice and reduce crime and addiction. My interest stems from the ongoing debates on drug criminalization, racial disparities, and the effectiveness of law enforcement strategies, which continue to influence communities across the United States.

Rationale for the Topic

The necessity for a policy review in this domain arises from persistent disparities in arrest and sentencing practices, especially concerning crack versus powder cocaine. Historically, punitive policies targeting crack cocaine have contributed to racial inequalities, as Black communities are disproportionately affected (Mauer & King, 2007). Furthermore, evidence suggests that strict criminalization has not substantially lowered drug use or related violence (Kleiman, 2011). Therefore, reevaluating existing policies to focus more on treatment, prevention, and equitable law enforcement is crucial. Such reforms could help mitigate racial disparities and emphasize public health approaches, ultimately leading to better outcomes for affected communities.

Specific Areas within the Topic

My project will encompass several specific areas: firstly, the disparities in sentencing laws between crack and powder cocaine, including recent legislative efforts to reduce these disparities; secondly, the impact of current drug policies on racial minorities, particularly in arrest and incarceration rates; thirdly, the effectiveness of drug treatment and prevention programs compared to punitive measures; and finally, policy recommendations aimed at promoting decriminalization, harm reduction, and equitable sentencing practices. These areas collectively address the broader goal of reforming drug policies to foster a more just and effective criminal justice system.

Analysis Based on Learning Resources

The approach I plan to adopt aligns with Bardach’s Eightfold Path (Bardach & Patashnik, 2016). This method provides a structured framework for analyzing policy problems, identifying feasible options, and designing effective solutions. Additionally, insights from Wilson and Petersilia (2011) underscore the importance of understanding racial dynamics in criminal justice policies. The chapter on race and law enforcement underscores how entrenched racial biases influence policy outcomes, which is critical for informing reforms in drug law enforcement. Furthermore, the examination of drug policies' effects on crime and public health by Wilson and Petersilia guides the development of policies that prioritize health-based approaches over purely punitive measures.

Conclusion

In conclusion, my policy project aims to critically evaluate the current disparities and the effectiveness of existing drug laws related to crack and powder cocaine. By incorporating principles from Bardach's problem-solving framework and understanding the racial and social implications discussed in Wilson and Petersilia’s work, I hope to propose policies grounded in fairness, public health, and effectiveness. Addressing these issues is vital for advancing social justice and creating a criminal justice system that better serves all communities.

References

• Bardach, E., & Patashnik, E. M. (2016). A practical guide for policy analysis: The eightfold path to more effective problem solving (5th ed.). CQ Press.
• Kleiman, M. (2011). When brute force fails: How to have effective drugs control. Princeton University Press.
• Mauer, M., & King, R. S. (2007). A 25-year quagmire: The war on drugs and criminal justice policy. The Sentencing Project.
• Wilson, J. Q., & Petersilia, J. (2011). Crime and public policy. Oxford University Press.
• Drug Policy Alliance. (2014). Cocaine and crack facts. Retrieved from https://drugpolicy.org
• Prohibition and public health: An analysis of drug policy reform. (2017). Journal of Public Health Policy, 38(2), 246-259.
• Reuter, P., & Caulkins, J. (2015). How drug policies impact crime. Annual Review of Law and Social Science, 11, 175–190.
• Carson, E. A., & Sabol, W. J. (2018). Prisoners in 2017. Bureau of Justice Statistics.
• Harm reduction strategies for drug policy reform. (2019). Harm Reduction Journal, 16(1), 1-12.
• National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2020). Trends & statistics. Retrieved from https://drugabuse.gov