Joseph D. McNamara, interviewed by Michael W. Lynch

Joseph D. McNamara is the former police chief of San Jose, California, and a fellow at the Hoover Institution. In the following viewpoint, taken from an interview conducted by Michael W. Lynch, a national correspondent for Reason magazine, McNamara asserts that law enforcement has little effect in deterring drug use. Moreover, police methods utilizing informants and sting operations have compromised police integrity, he contends. In addition, many police officers are committing illegal searches and perjuring themselves on the witness stand because they believe such activities are justified by the necessity of winning the war on drugs.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. What event opened McNamara’s eyes about how little impact police had in the war on drugs?
2. According to McNamara, what are some...