Examining drug enforcement by specialized police units in Chicago, 2009-2019

This study focused on explaining patterns of drug dealing arrests at the organizational level by specifically focusing on specialized police units in Chicago. Using an original dataset featuring all twenty-two Chicago Police Districts per month between 2009 and 2019, the study used negative binomial models to test whether specialized units focused drug dealing arrests on violent drug markets—per the orders of their commanders. Controls for racial bias, “de-policing,” and body-worn cameras were also tested. The main statistical models and robustness tests revealed that drug dealing arrests by specialized police units was most strongly focused on violent drug markets. However, controls for racial bias, and the “de-policing effect” also found support. Specialized police units in Chicago appear to follow the directives of their command staff by strongly focusing drug dealing arrests on violent drug markets. The presence of body cameras also appears to have no significant impact on drug enforcement by these units. While these results are encouraging for command staff, the findings regarding racial bias and “de-policing,” may require adjustments to strategic design and oversight. Policy prescriptions and suggestions for future research are discussed in the conclusion. •The study tests patterns of drug enforcement by specialized units within the Chicago Police Department.•Specialized police units strongly focus drug enforcement on violent drug markets.•The presence of body cameras has no significant association with drug enforcement by specialized units.•The study finds a positive association between drug enforcement racial bias.•The release of the Laquan McDonald video shows a negative relationship with drug enforcement by specialized units.