Educational Media Reviews Online

Damage Done has a fresh and divergent perspective about the ongoing war on drugs. Many documentaries focus on the negative aspects of the drug culture and how law enforcement is waging a battle on a global scale. While this is valuable and factual information, Damage Done presents the flip side of the coin, asserting that drug use should not be criminalized, as it is a waste of time and man power, and really has not been effective over the last 30 years. With such a controversial hypothesis, the filmmakers have managed to present numerous facts and testimonials and make them compelling and fascinating.

It features a variety of current and former legal and law enforcement personnel who detail the “war on drugs” and share their experiences of arresting and prosecuting drug abusers. Claims are made that such arrests are not “real police work” because drugs are in such demand and are cheap and easily available, law enforcement will never be able to keep up or make a significant dent in the drug culture. Another claim made is that the penal system, as it pertains to drug offenses, is a racist industry that feeds upon and perpetuates the drug culture. Documentary participants propose that drug use be decriminalized because such activities are “consensual, non-violent crimes.” Legalizing drug use will not stop drug use or its physical implications, but it will take away the drug marketplace that now exists.

Providing a great deal of food for thought, Damage Done is recommended. With average video, sound and editing components, this documentary is best suited for high school, and possibly academic libraries, and is appropriate for curriculum units on sociology, ethics and criminal justice.