Patrol officers have the responsibility to control drug trafficking. Which level of offender should they primarily target?

Patrol officers primarily target street-level narcotics dealers because these individuals operate in neighborhoods and directly impact community safety and quality of life. By focusing on these offenders, officers can more effectively disrupt the local drug trade, making immediate improvements to their communities.

Street-level dealers often act as the visible face of drug trafficking, contributing to various associated crimes, such as violence and theft, which often accompany drug distribution. Targeting these offenders allows patrol officers to address problems within their jurisdiction, gather intelligence for larger investigations, and establish stronger community relations by showing a commitment to reducing drug activity in the area.

High-ranking drug cartel members and international traffickers generally operate at levels that require specialized units, such as federal agencies, and have more extensive networks that might be challenging for patrol officers to infiltrate or dismantle without additional resources. Additionally, while users of illegal substances are often in need of support and treatment, they are not the primary source of drug distribution issues that patrol officers encounter on the streets. Therefore, the focus on street-level dealers aligns with the patrol officers' immediate law enforcement responsibilities and community policing goals.