Pubdate: Sun, 14 Jan 2001 Source: Sun-Herald (Australia) Copyright: 2001 John Fairfax Holdings Ltd Contact: http://www.sunherald.com.au/ Author: Melanie Corben FRESH FACE OF DRUG FIGHT HAS DAUGHTER IN MIND As the mother of a four-year-old, Detective Inspector Louise Brown is concerned at the way illicit drug use destroys individuals, families and communities. Now as the fresh face of a new campaign, she is encouraging people to tell police everything they know about drug use and crime in their community. "The theory behind the campaign is that people have a lot of information," Inspector Brown said. "Sometimes they think what they know is unimportant, but really it could be the critical information police need to solve a crime." Recently promoted to a head teaching position at Goulburn Police Academy, the 30-year-old was chosen to star in a series of TV, radio and newspaper advertisements, urging people to report drug crimes on Crime Stoppers' toll-free hotline. Inspector Brown's face will also be plastered across bus shelters and on bridge banners and posters. "I'll be at the movies and the IMAX Theatre," Inspector Brown said. "I'll be everywhere." She enjoyed working on the campaign. "I suppose I'm pretty outgoing," she said. "I like to try new things." Having a daughter has given Inspector Brown a new understanding of the terrible effects of drug abuse on addicts and those close to them. "I am always saddened to see parents with young children who have overdosed, particularly in view of the children who are left without parents to look after them. It's quite heartbreaking," she said. "The other sad part is seeing people grow into young adults, start experimenting with drugs and become hooked." Whenever she takes her daughter out, Inspector Brown is looking out for contaminated syringes that could jab her, especially in playgrounds and at the beach. Managing a family, a demanding career and starring in a major ad campaign can be stressful, she said. "It's a constant juggle. But I think being a police officer is the best job in the world." Crime Stoppers' toll-free hotline is 1800333000. - --- MAP posted-by: GD