NCJ Number
206073
Journal
Community Links Dated: May 2004 Pages: 2-4
Editor(s)
Arnold B. Ajello
Date Published
May 2004
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article describes the Broken Arrow Police Department’s (Oklahoma), Operation Don’t Meth Around initiative to educate the public and business community on methamphetamine, thereby increasing their awareness and assistance in counter-drug efforts.
Abstract
The Broken Arrow Police Department located in the metropolitan area of Tulsa, Oklahoma has reported a rise in indicators of every type of methamphetamine-street use and sales, clandestine labs, and homicide. It was found that most of the hardware and chemical precursors for the methamphetamine cooking process were available at the local retail level. The police department understood the need to enlist the community’s help and support. In 2001, the department initiated Operation Don’t Meth Around. This initiative was to educate the public and business community and bring the community into the fold on the existing methamphetamine drug problem. The initiative included an extensive media campaign, both print and electronic, the distribution of an methamphetamine information brochure, large-color posters for local businesses of methamphetamine ingredients, seminars at schools, businesses, and civic halls, and technical and strategic advice to local businesses. The results of the 3 year old program have been immediate and dramatic. Recent statistics show that methamphetamine sales are way down and many traffickers are now in prison. In addition, raids of clandestine labs initially more than doubled from 16 to 33, arrests jumped by more than 25 percent, search warrants increased by 56 percent and huge quantities of methamphetamine and other drugs were seized.