Combating Methamphetamine Laboratories and Abuse: Strategies for Success

• NCJ Number: 199242
• Author(s): Matthew C. Scheider; Michael S. Scott; Tom McEwen; Craig D. Uchida; Thomas C. Castellano; Edmund McGarrell; Stacy L. Osnick; Susan Pennell,; Carol A. Putnam; Kip Schlegel
• Date Published: December 2002
• Length: 16 pages
• Sale Source: NCJRS Photocopy Services; Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS)
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Program/Project Description
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: "COPS Innovations: A Closer Look"

Annotation

This paper reports on the findings and recommendations of the national evaluation of the funding program of the U.S. Justice Department's Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) that focused on promoting effective ways to combat the operation of methamphetamine laboratories and methamphetamine abuse.

Abstract

From 1998 through 2002, COPS provided $137 million in funding to more than 100 State and local law enforcement agencies to combat the production, distribution, and use of methamphetamine. COPS methamphetamine grants encourage law enforcement agencies to use advanced technologies and creative problem-solving strategies to implement resourceful solutions to persistent problems related to crime and disorder. Consistent with community policing approaches to methamphetamine reduction, law enforcement agencies were encouraged to develop partnerships with other local government agencies and community groups to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of programs. Agencies were also encouraged to develop innovative strategies and to monitor and evaluate implementation efforts. COPS has also provided $64 million to the Drug Enforcement Administration for lab clean-up efforts and training. The national evaluation of the COPS grant program found that educating police officials about methamphetamine, precursor chemicals, and clandestine labs led to increased lab identification and helped prevent on-scene injuries to officers. Further, the evaluation found that training public-works and hotel/motel staff proved effective, since these employees are often the first persons to come across a lab or a contaminated space. Also, community education through public awareness campaigns provided important information on methamphetamine-related issues and increased awareness about the prevalence of the problem. Drug courts were found to be a beneficial option for drug offenders, primarily because they expose methamphetamine-addicted individuals to treatment and establish a rigid structure with little tolerance for infractions. One of the major successes of the Methamphetamine Initiative was the formation of partnerships as a result of the program. Six funded programs from around the Nation are briefly described. 2 suggested resources