Ray Wisher

In the following viewpoint Ray Wisher argues that legalizing drugs would not lead to a reduction in crime. Addicts steal in order to finance their drug habit; even if drugs are legalized, he contends that addicts still will not be able to afford their habits and so will continue their lives of crime. Legalizing drugs will only destroy more lives, he concludes, and damage society. Wisher is a police detective in Florida.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. According to Wisher, what percentage of his caseload is drug-related?
2. How many more murders are committed under the influence of drugs than are committed in order to buy drugs, as cited by the author?
3. In Wisher’s view, what is the chance that a drug user will spend time in jail"

My partner, Tony G., tossed...