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| Chief prefers addiction treatment over arrests |
By: By SUZANNE ROOK
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NORTHFIELD - Arrests are one way to measure progress in the department's war on heroin - but they're not Police Chief Gary Smith's preferred method.
Instead, the chief, who just a week ago revealed a growing heroin problem among young Northfielders, said it's his goal to eliminate heroin use by getting addicts into treatment.
"Arresting them isn't going to solve addiction," he said.
"Our goal is to help facilitate their ability to get off (drugs)."
Smith said he is committed to making arrests, but though police know many of those involved, getting good information to build solid cases can take detectives months. In the meantime, the chief said, addicts continue to use while others are getting hooked.
And with an estimated 150 to 250 users in the area, Smith realizes it could take years to eradicate heroin use if police relied solely on arrests.
The chief said it's also important that police don't take such a hard line that they push drug traffickers into other communities. That, he believes, solves little.
Last week's press conference, Smith said, was in part "an attempt to wake up (drug) suppliers, make them less willing to make the trip (to Northfield), less willing to do business in our area."
Smith said he's already had some success in reaching those goals.
In recent days the department has gotten good feedback on its July 3 announcement. Police have had several calls from concerned residents looking for treatment options for their loved ones. And investigators have gotten information regarding drug dealing in town.
Smith said some callers have even asked about training opportunities to help them spot the signs of drug abuse.
Additionally, Smith expects Northfielders will rally, devising other ways to help solve the city's drug problem through intervention and prevention.
What are the signs?
During last week's press conference, Smith unveiled a campaign called "Not In My Back Yard." It culminates with the National Night Out celebration set for Tuesday, Aug. 7.
Police hope the campaign raises awareness of illegal drug use in the community and encourages residents with information helpful to law enforcement to give them a call.
Tips can be left anonymously for investigators at 663-9322.
Police will consider the "Not In My Back Yard" campaign a success, Smith said, when feedback from those on the front lines - drug treatment counselors, informants and undercover officers - can see there has been a reduction in local drug activity.
Smith will also look for property thefts and break-ins to drop to pre-2005 numbers. In the last two years, burglaries have more than doubled. Car break-ins nearly tripled.
Though Smith said his preference is treatment over incarceration, once detectives learn of a person's involvement, there's little they can do but pursue the case. "The days where we can call somebody and say 'We have concerns about your kid' are gone," Smith said.
Officers try to warn parents when they notice teens are going down a path they believe could lead to trouble, Smith said, but sometimes parents aren't receptive to the advice.
Schools do get information on arrests, but only if a student is involved.
But once a user is over 18, state law limits what police can share with parents.
Northfield police said last week they want to dry up the supply of drugs as well as reduce the easy availability of small electronics they say users are stealing and selling to support their habits.
Residents should be aware of what they're leaving in vehicles, the chief said, and lock their homes.
- Suzanne Rook can be reached at srook@northfieldnews.com or 645-1113. |
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