2C:35-5.5 Removal/Restraint of Drug Offenders Findings

 2C:35-5.5 Findings, declarations relative to removal, restraint of certain drug offenders.

The Legislature hereby finds and declares to be the public policy of this State, the following:

a. By the enactment of the Comprehensive Drug Reform Act of 1987, N.J.S.2C:35-1 et seq., the Legislature recognized that the unlawful manufacture, distribution, possession and use of controlled dangerous substances poses a serious and pervasive threat to the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of this State.

b. In particular, the unlawful manufacture and distribution of controlled dangerous substances can undermine the quality of life enjoyed by all persons who live or work in a neighborhood where such unlawful activity occurs.

c. Persons who engage in unlawful drug activity serve as negative role models for the young, enlist others to join in illicit enterprises, attract violent criminals who prey upon the innocent, and drive away law-abiding citizens, thus having an adverse impact upon legitimate businesses.

d. Displacing those who engage in the unlawful manufacture and distribution of controlled dangerous substances from the situs of their offenses will disrupt drug trafficking by forcing offenders to abandon familiar and comfortable surroundings and requiring them to rely on more cumbersome techniques for conducting street-level transactions. Restraining orders will also protect the public by separating drug offenders from their known markets for sales and purchases of controlled dangerous substances.

L.1999,c.334,s.2.