Pubdate: Fri, 16 Aug 2002
Source: Reporter-Times, The (IN)
Copyright: 2002 The Reporter-Times
Contact: (765)342-1446
Website: http://www.hoosiertimes.com/mv-to-top/index-rt.php3
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2081
Author: Sally McIntosh
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/af.htm (Asset Forfeiture)

STAND AGAINST DRUGS

In recent months, we've heard a lot about the city of Indianapolis. 
Residents are banding together to rid their communities of drugs and crime. 
They've taken a stand and made a difference.

While Martinsville may not have the crime rate as that of big cities such 
as Indianapolis, it does have drugs, and where there are drugs, there are 
people who sell them.

I can't name names or locations, but I have personally witnessed such 
transactions. These people make little or not effort to hide their 
activities. I find this very disturbing!

If I witnessed these goings on, it stands to reason others did too. So why 
don't residents get together, communicate with one another, and work with 
the police department to rid our neighborhoods of drugs and drug dealers?

Don't you care that someone next door or across the street is selling 
drugs? Doesn't it bother you that our young people are becoming drug 
addicts? Doesn't it concern you that once addicted, these people will 
commit crimes to support their habit? What if you become the victim of one 
of these crimes? What if it's your son or daughter, grandchild, friend or 
neighbor?

It is not enough to "talk" to kids about drugs. Drug dealers have very 
persuasive ways to get kids to "try" it. We will never eliminate drugs and 
drug dealers entirely, but we can make it very uncomfortable for dealers to 
live in our neighborhoods.

We can let property owners know when they rent to drug dealers, their 
presence won't be tolerated, and they will be held accountable.

Martinsville is not a bad city, but it lacks concerned citizens. The police 
department is only as good as the community. The police can't be everywhere 
all the time. They know there are drug dealers and all branches of law 
enforcement will tell you they rely heavily on information they receive 
from the public. Report suspicious activity. Talk to your neighbors, share 
information.

With new, more deadly drugs entering the U.S., it's time some of these 
"slumlords' pay the penalty.

Many states are vigorously pursuing such landlords, not only seizing their 
property, but other assets as well. As long as drug dealers have a "safe 
haven" to peddle their deadly wares, they will thrive, and they'll do it 
right here in our city, Martinsville. It is all up to us. We can make a 
difference if we care enough.

Sally McIntosh, Martinsville
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