Discuss at least three “spin-off problems” associated with drug dealing in the open air markets. Make sure to consider when and where open-air markets operate and the structure of open-air markets.
Propose a strategy to combat each of these drug problems.
Notes:
Spinoff problems associated with drug dealing in open-air markets include the following: ■ Traffic congestion ■ Noise (from traffic and people) ■ Disorderly conduct ■ Begging ■ Loitering ■ Vandalism ■ Drug use and littering (e.g., discarded drug paraphernalia) ■ Criminal damage to property ■ Prostitution Robbery ■ Residential and commercial burglary ■ Theft from motor vehicles ■ Fencing stolen goods ■ Weapons offenses ■ Assaults and homicides36
There are four geographical features common to this type of drug market: They are likely to be located in economically depressed neighborhoods; Dealers will sell from static sites so customers know where to find them; The market will probably be located around a transport hub, or along a main arterial route where there is a level of legitimate activity and proximity to through routes to allow buyers easy access to the market area; and Markets that have a reputation for selling drugs can grow large in size, and the concentration of activity in a small area will be hard to hide.37 The compulsive nature of drugs such as crack cocaine or the physical dependency that can occur from prolonged heroin.
