In Tucson’s public spaces, drug use is a common sight. It is a result of several overlapping factors, including cheap fentanyl, a high homeless population and city officials’ reluctance to resort to mass incarceration.
Over the last several months, city officials have made a renewed push to address public drug use, culminating in a now-tabled proposal that would have criminalized a range of drug-related behaviors. Resulting debates have highlighted several systemic obstacles to addressing the issue — a complex one that ultimately stems from thousands of unique personal crises that leave people on the street and addicted.
“We’re treating a massive problem right now, but we’re treating symptoms,” said Tucson Chief of Police Chad Kasmar…