While the primary function of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is to enforce the nation's federal drug laws, we understand that law enforcement alone cannot solve America's drug problems. DEA Special Agents are assigned to communities around the nation, and many serve as Demand Reduction Coordinators (DRCs) as a collateral duty. They work with individuals and groups such as community coalitions, civic leaders, state and local drug prevention organizations, treatment experts and the general public, and they provide DEA's unique expertise in the areas of intelligence and enforcement. By joining DEA's law enforcement credibility and insights with communities' know-how, drug prevention efforts have been strengthened in cities, towns and rural areas across America.

DEA's commitment to drug prevention began in 1985 when the Demand Reduction program was formally created. Since then, DEA has established long-lasting partnerships with federal, state, local and private organizations dedicated to reducing the demand for drugs. In addition to professional Headquarters drug prevention personnel, DEA has 31 DRCs working in communities throughout the nation.

DEA Demand Reduction Program - A Resource for:

States: Working with Governors' offices, state prevention agencies, and legislatures, DRCs provide information to policymakers about drug trends, enforcement priorities and emerging issues which could impact on statewide drug prevention programs and priorities.

Communities: By working with coalitions, leaders and citizens, DRCs assist communities, helping to craft strategies and programs to reduce drug use across America.

The Public: Public support for drug enforcement and prevention programs is critical. DEA's DRCs provide timely and accurate information to the public on the dangers of drugs, drug trafficking patterns and emerging trends to help the public understand the damage drugs cause to communities and individuals.

Schools: DRCs visit educators and students, providing them with real-life insights into the dangers of drug use and trafficking.

DEA Demand Reduction Priorities:

• Provide timely intelligence to prevention and treatment partners
• Help the public, parents and children understand the dangers of drugs
• Present information on the damage drugs cause to the non-user

List of DEA Demand Reduction Coordinators (DRCs)>>