An analysis of the historical roots of the social problem that was identified in Assignment #1.

Sample 1 | Sample 2

By Dana Zolynsky

           When people ask me where I’m from, I usually say, “I’m about 20 minutes south of Detroit,” when really, I could just say Detroit. Why do I do this? Honestly, it’s because I’m partially embarrassed for living in this city. Yes, I grew up in the suburbs, and I was the typical citizen that had no “truth” about Detroit, because I rarely ever spent time in the city. It was not until I moved into the dorms of Wayne State University that I began to see all the aspects of Detroit I was missing.

            Living downtown was a big change for me. All of my life, I’ve been surrounded by mostly white, suburban, middle-class people. My school didn’t have much diversity either. So, when I moved to WSU, I had a major culture shock. I was also exposed to the many negatives and positives of Detroit. Yes, I realized that Detroit had more then I thought to offer. However, I feel that the negative aspects of Detroit “took over”, and some of my accusations about Detroit, proved to be true.

It seems as though today, people are trying to renew Detroit and make it into a successful city once again. On the other hand, it’s not going to happen until some of the problems in Detroit are solved. Before I did this report I thought about the things that I saw the most, living in Detroit. I wanted to research something that was of some interest to me. Luckily, I found a topic that I was not only interested in, but also proved to be one of the largest problems in Detroit today.

Drug trafficking is the most widespread and profitable organized crime in the United States. It accounts for nearly forty percent of the country’s organized crime activity and generates an annual income estimated to be as high as $110 billion (Drug). Detroit faces diverse alcohol and other drug-related crime problems. Drug seizures are rising in the city (Crime). But what is being done to control these problems? What is the city of Detroit doing to bring an end to this crime?

            In 1995, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) produced Mobile Enforcement teams in response to the overwhelming problem of drug-related violences. They were set up to be cooperative programs with state and local law enforcements. In 1999 Regional Enforcement teams were designed to target drug organizations operating in the United States (Michigan).

            Also in 1995, Detroit was selected as one of ten Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT) Target Cities. Federal Target Cities funding has allowed Detroit's Bureau of Substance Abuse to increase treatment for criminal offenders, improve effectiveness through case management and follow-up services, link existing treatment and social services, and develop treatment programs for offenders in jail and in the community (Crime).

            In 1997, the Office of National Drug Control Policy was approached by law enforcement agencies from the Detroit Metropolitan area (the counties of Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, and Washtenaw) with a request to designate the area as a HIDTA. The High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program enhances and coordinates drug control efforts among local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. The program provides agencies with coordination, equipment, technology, and additional resources to battle drug trafficking and its harmful consequences in critical regions of the United States (Michigan).

                Today, the HIDTA is very successful. It sponsors 49 law enforcement, prevention and treatment initiatives involving representatives of 134 Federal, state and local agencies. In addition to funding law enforcement, prevention and treatment initiatives, the HIDTA assists law enforcement agencies with training, technology assistance, crime mapping, intelligence analysis and program evaluation. These efforts have led to real and measurable reductions in drug trafficking and drug-related crime in this region (Michigan).

                In 1998, Wayne County's criminal justice budget totaled $200 million-the highest county criminal justice budget in the state. At the state level, treating inmates with alcohol and other drug abuse problems had became a priority. The U.S. Department of Justice has identified the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Strategy as one of the most advanced in the country. MDOC provides services according to the severity of drug use; programs include residential and outpatient treatment, education, treatment readiness and 12-step programs (Crime).

                Inside the city itself, the Detroit Police Department (DPD) works with federal agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Internal Revenue Service, to target drug markets throughout the city. Currently, the DPD estimates street prices at approximately $10 per bag of heroin ($20 to $40 for "black tar," which has a higher concentration of heroin), $5 to $20 for a rock of crack cocaine, and $20 to $40 for the same weight of powder cocaine. Hallucinogens, such as ecstasy-which Detroit police are starting to see with more frequency-cost $20 to $30 a tablet (Crime). Although these prices may seem high, it doesn’t seem like a high price to pay for the people who depend on these drugs day to day.

The Michigan HIDTA and its area of responsibility include the cities of Grand Rapids, Flint, Kalamazoo, and Detroit accounting for approximately 50% of the population of Michigan. The Michigan HIDTA is responsible for supplying funding and assistance to twenty-three initiatives, of which nineteen are federal, state and local drug task forces. These initiatives have been designed to address specific drug-related threats in their areas of responsibility (Michigan).

            The Michigan HIDTA also funds an Intelligence Support and Deconfliction Center (ISDC) located in Detroit. The ISDC is responsible for collecting analyzing, and providing accurate, detailed and timely drug intelligence to all agencies participating in the Michigan HIDTA. The ISC provides drug intelligence and coordination to participating initiatives upon request, and conducts extensive analysis of data from a variety of sources, which creates the intelligence necessary to guide future Michigan HIDTA investigative operations (Michigan). 

            Southeast Michigan HIDTA focuses on multi-level drug trafficking. To accomplish this, the Southeast Michigan HIDTA Executive Committee has adopted a three-tiered strategy to counter drug trafficking. Level One focuses on “street level” drug trafficking. Level Two deals with drug traffickers and the importation of drugs into the Southeast area of Michigan. Level Three centers on the major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations. Current and future initiatives will provide multi-agency efforts that will support the goals of this strategy (Southeastern). Currently, the following agencies participate in the Michigan HIDTA: DEA, FBI, ICE (Institution of Civil Engineers), IRS, ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives), USMS (U.S. Marshals Service), Michigan State Police, Detroit Police Department, Grand Rapids PD, Kalamazoo PD, Flint PD, Sheriff's Departments from the nine HIDTA counties, Michigan National Guard, Michigan Office of Drug Control Policy and several other local law enforcement agencies (Michigan).

            While drug use continues to be widespread among the city of Detroit, the percent of male arrestees who test positive for illegal drugs is decreasing. On the other hand, rates of marijuana use among arrestees are increasing steadily. Illegal drug use is widespread among arrestees nationwide, including two-thirds of those in the city of Detroit. Cocaine and marijuana are the drugs most commonly used by arrestees. However, older arrestees are much more likely to test positive for cocaine (Crime).

            Drug courts, which refer non-violent drug abusing offenders to intensive court-supervised treatment, offer alternatives to imprisonment and traditional probation. Detroit's first drug court opened in December 1997 in the city's 3rd District Court with funding from other municipal court divisions. By July 1998, there were 160 participants in the program, which is open to individuals with no felony record (Crime).

            In 2002, due to changes in drug trafficking trends, specifically the increase production of methamphetamine in the western portion of Michigan, additional funding was secured from the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) to expand the HIDTA. The Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988 established the ONDCP. The principal purpose of ONDCP is to establish policies, priorities, and objectives for the Nation's drug control program. The goals of the program are to reduce illicit drug use, manufacturing, and trafficking, drug-related crime and violence, and drug-related health consequences (Michigan).

            In May of 2003, Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick announced that the Detroit Health Department’s (DHD) Bureau of Substance Abuse was awarded $1.3 million over four years to provide support services to individuals recovering from substance abuse. The U.S. Department of Mental Health Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services (SAMHSA) grant will provide critically needed support services to Detroit residents. The grant is designed to engage individuals in positive activities that reinforce their commitment to recovery. It also assists people with employment concerns, including education, training, job readiness, placement, transportation, and childcare. The goal of the project is to increase the length of time people remain drug-free after leaving treatment and provide relapse prevention support. This money has improved the outlook of addicts. With the city of Detroit starting off correcting the small things, as much as they can, the hope is to eventually cut out the problem all together (City of Detroit).

The reason why this amount of money, $1.3 million was a big deal was that it is different from any of the other amounts received by Detroit. The difference between the $1.3 million and those amounts previously mentioned in this paper is that it is a grant. Grants are specifically given to states for a certain purpose. The state government realized that Detroit was having a serious problem; therefore they provided some funds in which to better the area. The other amounts and organizations mentioned are all federal groups. The grant, relates to the state of Michigan itself.

            It is obvious that Detroit has a current and historical problem with drug trafficking in the city. However, over time, various things have been tried and are being done to control the drug traffic today. Since 1997, the Detroit Metropolitan area has been designated as a HIDTA (Michigan). This is the strongest force Detroit has against its highly problematic drug trafficking issue. The DPD also works to end drug markets throughout the city (Crime). Later, in 2002, the HIDTA expanded. Then, in 2003, the mayor of Detroit revealed a $1.3 million grant (City of Detroit).

            I think for the people of Detroit, this problem has hit a personal nerve. As a matter of fact, I think all of the problems of Detroit strike people’s nerves. From what I’ve observed, the people of Detroit that are not involved in drugs whatsoever, are angry at the people who are. They are angry because these people are giving a negative impression of the city. People from outside of Detroit will not want to come to the city if it is overrun by drug-addicts. The people that want the city to succeed work so hard, only to get robbed the next day. Storeowners and other businesses shut down because they don’t have enough customers coming to their locations. For the future, it is with strict programs, law enforcement, and groups like the HIDTA that Detroit hopes to decrease its drug traffic in the city and better the community as a whole.  Back to Top

Casinos: A History of the Problem

By Anthony Hazkial

Every night Metro-Detroiters go to one of the three downtown casinos for an evening of entertainment.  The popularity of casinos has changed the city of Detroit in ways that were not predicted.  Ever since casinos opened, they have brought gambling addiction to the forefront of social issues that threaten the citizens of Detroit.  If it is true that in order to understand the present we must know the past, then it is necessary to learn about the history of casinos in Detroit so that as Detroiters we may understand the present role of casinos in our city. 

The idea of legalizing casino gaming in Detroit is nearly three decades old, but not until the last decade were Detroiters willing to allow casinos in their city.  The history behind casino gambling in Detroit began in 1976 when Mayor Coleman Young backed a casino proposal, but Detroit voters rejected it.  The issue was revisited in 1981.  In the middle of a recession, after tens of thousands of auto-industry jobs were lost, Young suggested that the city “shoot craps,” but again Detroit voters rejected the proposal (White).  Detroit voters would turn down casinos again in 1988 and 1993.  Then on August 3, 1994, Detroit voters approved a plan for casino gaming.  What had changed Detroiters’ minds?  Four months prior, Casino Windsor opened.  A television advertisement showing bags of money crossing the border from Detroit to Windsor helped to convince Detroiters to support the measure to legalize casinos in Detroit.  Mayor Dennis Archer had said that Detroit was already suffering from the problems of having a casino nearby and it was time that Detroit reaped some of the benefits (White).  Detroiters certainly agreed with their mayor, since proposals changed from being defeated by a wide margin to being passed by a wide margin

Casinos were still years away from opening. At that time, Michigan law prohibited casino gaming in Detroit.  On August 18, 1994, the Secretary of the Interior, who has jurisdiction over Indian gaming, determined that the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe should be permitted to establish off-reservation Native American gaming in Detroit and sought Governor Engler’s approval, as required by the federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. To assess the issue, Governor Engler established the Blue Ribbon Commission (“Mayor”).  The commission agreed that limited expansion of casino gaming in Michigan would be beneficial.  The commission stated that expansion of casinos gaming could increase revenue for local and state governments, attract tourists, add to the states economy, and prevent Michigan gaming dollars from going to Canada (“Mayor”). The recommendations of the commission included Indian-owned and privately owned gaming in Detroit.  Despite the approval of casino gaming by Detroit voters, despite the recommendation of the Secretary of the Interior, and despite the recommendation of the Blue Ribbon Commission, Governor Engler declared that he would not support casino gaming in Detroit (“Mayor”).

Since it was unlikely that Engler would ever support the issue, Dennis Archer recommended a statewide voter initiative to legalize Detroit gaming.  Only the Atwater Group and the Greektown Group decided that a voter initiative was worth the effort.  Together they raised enough money and collected enough signatures to place the initiative, known as Proposal E, on the November 1996 ballot.  On November 5, 1996, Michigan voters passed Proposal E by a slim margin, authorizing three Detroit casinos (“Mayor”).

Even though voters had approved proposals at the city and state levels to legalize casino gaming in Detroit, there still existed staunch opponents of casino gaming who attempted to overturn Proposal E.  They focused on the negative effect casinos would have on the city, and they foresaw social problems, especially increased gambling addiction.  In May of 1997 the anti-casino group, No Dice, announced efforts to reverse Proposal E and put an end to the expansion of casino gaming in Michigan.  In August of 1997 Michigan Citizens Against Casino gaming also announced efforts to repeal Proposal E.  Both anti-casino groups combined their efforts and were known as the Coalition to Repeal Proposal E.  Michigan Governor John Engler, at a public appearance, reiterated his opposition to casino gaming, but added that issue was settled and it was time to move forward in the process. He further stated that he would not support a petition drive to repeal Proposal E.  Despite their efforts, The Coalition to Repeal Proposal E fell short of the 247,000 signatures they needed to put the issue of legalized gaming back on the November ballot in Michigan.   According to statewide polls, Michigan voters were opposed to repealing Proposal E, and they were looking forward to visiting the three new casinos when they opened (“The Michigan”).

As the Mayor and the City Council moved toward the selection of casino developers, they learned that the road to casino gaming was full of bumps, potholes, and detours.  Proposal E provided for preferential treatment in the selection process to applicants that submitted a casino gaming proposal before January 1, 1995.  These applicants were Greektown and Atwater (Mayor).  The Michigan Gaming Control Board was opposed to the preferred status of Greektown and Atwater, but the City Council continued to support the preference and strengthened it by unanimously approving a Casino Development Competitive Selection Ordinance (“The Michigan”). 

Many investors voiced interest in Detroit casinos, and in June of 1997, the city released the applications for the Phase I Request for Proposals/ Qualifications (RFP/Q).  By the August 1, 1997 deadline, eleven applications had been received.  Of the eleven applicants, Mayor Dennis Archer announced seven finalists that would need to submit a Phase II RFP/Q.  Of the seven finalists that submitted a Phase II application, Mayor Dennis Archer would need to select three that would receive the city’s endorsement for casino licenses (“The Michigan”).  Archer’s selection, backed by the City Council, and supported by the majority of voters, included Detroit Entertainment LLC, which is a combination of the Atwater Casino Group and Circus Circus Michigan, Inc., Greektown Casino LLC, and MGM Grand Detroit LLC (“Mayor”).  The preference statute admittedly played a role in the selection of Greektown Casino LLC, and this sparked a series of lawsuits against the city.  Several applicants who were eliminated during the selection process filed lawsuits claiming that the preferred status of the Atwater Group and the Greektown Group was unconstitutional. The city vigorously defended the preference in all the lawsuits, and luckily the opening of the casinos were not delayed (“The Michigan”). 

The popularity of Detroit’s casinos was foreshadowed on July 29, 1999. On that day, the first temporary casino, MGM Grand Detroit, opened its doors, and Detroiters waited for hours in a line that wrapped around the block.  A few months later Motor City Casino opened, and by November 2000 Greektown Casino was open (Associated).  But casinos had become so popular that the opening of one casino did not hurt the business of the other casino; the casino industry just kept growing.

As the casino industry was growing, gambling addiction was increasing.  As casinos grew in popularity, gambling became more socially acceptable and more easily accessible.  Casinos made it easier for those who are prone to gambling addiction to lose almost everything (“Casinos”).  As gambling addiction increased, the city felt the effects.  The size of debts increased, the amount of debts increased, and the amount of bankruptcies increased.  Some gamblers turned to crime to pay their debts, and sadly some turned to suicide (“Casinos”). 

The growing casino industry led to a growing problem with gambling addiction.  With gambling addiction gaining recognition as a serious social issue in Detroit, it is hard to look at problem and not look at the casinos as part of the cause.  It is one thing to blame the casinos but it is another to recognize that they are a part of our city, and to understand how they came to be.  Understanding the history of casinos in Detroit means to understand a part of Detroit, and the more we understand Detroit’s problems the better we can solve them.  Back to Top