To hear more audio stories from publishers like The New York Times, download Audm for iPhone or Android. “Defund the police” is a catchy phrase, but some Americans hear it and imagine a home invasion, a frantic call to 911 — and then no one answering the phone. In the 1990s, both the United States and Portugal were struggling with how to respond to illicit narcotics. The United States doubled down on the policing toolbox, while Portugal followed the advice of experts and decriminalized the possession even of hard drugs. Small-time users get help from social workers and access to free methadone from roving trucks.

Source: New York Times June 10, 2020 22:38 UTC