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Help for Local Leaders

Local leadership is the most critical component in addressing an emerging methamphetamine problem in your community. For too long denial and ignorance have shaped or defined our response to this epidemic. The National Association of Counties in collaboration with the National Sheriff’s Association has identified methamphetamine as their number one law enforcement problem. It is severely impacting local resources and diverting time and money away from other issues and problems.

When a meth cook moves into your community, expect crime, fear and economic loss to follow. For the victims the crimes are often devastating and can range from identity theft to homicide. More difficult to measure is the economic impact that theft has on individuals and businesses. Entire communities feel the hit of decreased property values when a meth lab moves into a neighborhood.

Crimes that follow the presence of a meth lab or consistent meth use in a community include domestic violence, identity theft, fraud, and out-of-home acts of violence. Domestic violence is common in homes where meth is used, and the victims include children as well as adult partners. The violence tends to be chronic and recurring over extended periods of time.

Leadership must develop a comprehensive and inclusive approach when addressing this problem. Community leadership must bring to the table law enforcement, faith community, treatment providers, schools, environmental clean-up, hospitals and first responders. Vital to this program is the participation of the media, elected officials, and those concerned for the welfare and safety of our children.

To get at this comprehensive approach we encourage a SYSTEMS approach that involves the following sectors: Criminal Justice System, Social and Health Services System, Pubic/Community System, Environmental and Ecological System and all Private Sector entities capable of providing resources, ideas and strategies to a comprehensive response. Click on to each of these for a more detailed explanation of their role and function.

LEADERSHIP IS VITAL AND YOU MUST ASSUME THAT RESPONSIBILITY OR YOU WILL ULTIMATELY BE CHASING THIS EPIDEMIC.