Public Order Crimes

Substance abuse or use of illegal drugs is another type of public order crime. Marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamines are the four illegal drugs most abused. The U.S. government outlaws drugs they consider most harmful. These include marijuana, cocaine and crack cocaine; narcotics that occur in nature such as heroin, hallucinogens such as LSD, and MDMA/Ecstasy; and the illegal distribution or use of prescription drugs such as Vicodin and OxyContin. Besides health risks, the major reason for outlawing drugs is their close relationship to crime. As drug addiction levels increase or decrease in an area, so does criminal activity.

Drug addictions are expensive habits. A significant percentage of crimes against property are committed for drug money. Drug abuse is a major factor in domestic assaults, or those committed among family members. Over half of all domestic assaults involve use of various combinations of cocaine, marijuana, and alcohol. While drug addictions lead some individuals to criminal activities or to domestic abuse, others become involved in crime as part of drug dealing activities. These activities include transporting drugs, known as drug trafficking, and the manufacture, distribution, and sale or purchase of drugs.