Pubdate: Fri, 16 Jan 2009 Source: Standard Freeholder (Cornwall, CN ON) Copyright: 2009 Osprey Media Group Inc. Contact: http://drugsense.org/url/sRKlJFsP Website: http://www.standard-freeholder.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1169 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?216 (CN Police) SIGNS PART OF DRUG WAR Call it a sign of the times when it comes to Cornwall Community Police Service's fight against the seedy business of drug trafficking in the city. The force's street crimes unit has started leaving a "calling card" outside residences where drug search warrants are executed. The signs read "Drug Search Warrant Executed at (address)". Chief Dan Parkinson told the Standard- Freeholder the signs are not intended to shame those charged with drug dealing, saying such people are not that easily shamed. The signs are posted, he said, to let neighbours know that the police have taken action against drug dealing. "It's part of our efforts to increase visibility and presence in the community," said Chief Parkinson. The first sign went up at a Carleton Street residence Wednesday afternoon after a raid by the street crime unit. Chief Parkinson's sign strategy will be applauded by law-abiding citizens fed up with drug dealing activities in their neighbourhood, but you can bet there will be some who protest and play the rights-violation card. But what about the right for law-abiding citizens to raise their kids in a drug-free neighbourhood? The drug business is a breeding ground for other crimes. Most break-ins are committed by drug users in need of money to pay for drugs. Often the drug dealers arrange for the fencing of stolen goods. In extreme cases, drug users commit armed robberies. No question that the signs are unique and could be questioned by drug dealers and civil libertarians. But you can be sure that law-abiding citizens will be saying good for the police. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin