A law enforcement veteran with nearly 30 years experience under his belt, Kerlikowske described an ongoing change in attitude towards illicit drug use. Previously categorized as simply a criminal justice problem, the past several years have seen it evolve into a public-health dilemma instead. It is this new train of thought that has him focusing on reducing demand, instead of the traditional policy of tackling supply. 

 

Although his appointment has stirred optimism among advocates of drug reform, Kerlikowske isn’t without his critics. Some warn that merely retiring the phrase “war on drugs” is purely cosmetic until accompanied by real, tangible actions. They call attention to past appointees who made similar commitments to reform, but ultimately fell short of any meaningful improvements. Others remain skeptical about Kerlikowske’s ability to take-on the special interests that will undoubtedly put up a fight to maintain a war that has padded their pocketbooks. 

 

Having run four police departments in major cities and served in the Clinton administration’s Office of Community Policing, Kerlikowske has earned a reputation for downplaying the importance of apprehending marijuana abusers. Despite his lax attitude towards enforcement of laws against minor drug offenders, Kerlikowske maintains that he absolutely does not advocate legalization. He explains that such his attitude emerged less out of tolerance, and more out of a need to prioritize the use of limited law enforcement resources against violent crime.   

   -Adrine Akopyan

 

Q&A With the New Drug Czar (Wall Street Journal)

White House Czar Calls for End to 'War on Drugs' (by Gary Fields, Wall Street Journal)

New Drug Czar: "We're Not at War With People in This Country" (by Norm Stamper, Huffington Post)

Gil Kerlikowske (AllGov)