The Drug Enforcement and Policy Center conducts research and publishes policy analyses and reports on a variety of criminal justice and drug policy related topics, such as examining aspects of Ohio marijuana reform implementation, providing recommendations for implementing automatic record relief, documenting federal life sentences for drug trafficking, and more.

The center also collaborates with other universities and organizations on research projects and events, produces informational materials for the public including the Drugs on the Docket podcast, and publishes student papers, and proposals for legislative change. Additionally, the center highlights the results of research proposals funded through DEPC's former Marijuana and Drug Policy Research Grants program.

The center's primary focus areas include marijuana reform, clemency and record relief, drug sentencing, and other drugs.