There is widespread understanding that the War on Drugs intentionally targeted communities of color,
while depriving those same communities of harm-reduction resources to address the damaging effects of drug use. Nonetheless, Austin and Travis County,Texas, continue to use drug enforcement practices that harm communities, worsen racial disparities, and increase the health and financial consequences that people most directly impacted must bear. Further, local use of police as the primary means of enforcing harsh drug laws consistently fails to achieve its stated goal of reducing drug activity. Travis County residents, particularly in areas most heavily populated by people of color, have seen time and again that current practices are not working.
Future of Policing 