Pubdate: Thu, 20 Dec 2007
Source: Akron Beacon Journal (OH)
Copyright: 2007 The Beacon Journal Publishing Co.
Contact:  http://www.ohio.com/mld/beaconjournal/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/6
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?208 (Environmental Issues)

METH WATCH

The Feds Offer An Incentive To Collaborate On Fighting Drug Use

The effects of methamphetamine production and use are well-known to 
local law enforcement agencies, the toll measured in ruined lives, 
properties contaminated by illicit labs, roadsides turned into dumps 
for poisonous chemicals. Akron and Summit County lead the state in 
the number of meth-lab related prosecutions, 16 from October of 2006 
through September.

The vigilance is a good start. Even better is that local efforts will 
be bolstered through a new, federally funded initiative that stresses 
a cooperative, regional approach. Another key aspect of the Ohio 
Methamphetamine Pilot Initiative is an emphasis on stopping drug use 
before it gets started.

Attorney General Marc Dann announced the project last week. A U.S. 
Department of Justice grant of $2 million will be shared by Akron and 
the counties of Ashtabula, Clermont and Highland. The Bureau of 
Criminal Identification & Investigation will also get a share. 
Akron's part, almost $450,000, will cover education, public 
awareness, intelligence, enforcement (through the county prosecutor's 
office) and the purchase of protective gear and safety equipment. Of 
special note is a partnership with the Summit County Children 
Services Board to educate children about the impact of drug use.

The initiative recognizes that effectiveness in fighting crime is not 
measured solely in the number of arrests and that local agencies can 
no longer work in isolation from one another. Cost-effectiveness and 
the spread of crime and criminals beyond political boundaries demand 
a different approach.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom