The Washington County Sheriff's Office along with other law enforcement agencies has been asked by the county commissioners to create a "game plan" for effectively combating the escalating climate of drug‑related crimes. Despite being rescheduled because of bad weather and less than ideal road conditions, a special meeting held by the commissioners on the late afternoon of January 8 attracted about 60 people. Commission Chair Chris Gardner says that about half the room was comprised of municipal leaders and law enforcement officers and the rest of concerned residents of the county. "I'd say about half the police chiefs were there," he adds.
     "We're reaching a point in the county where things are changing," Gardner explains. "Over the past six months or so we've had two homicides, drive‑by shooting, stabbing, home invasions" and more, all related to the "changing criminal element" associated with drug trafficking. The meeting, Gardner stresses, was not about the county's drug problem, "that's about treatment" and other strategies that require a different set of resources. Rather, it's "how to keep people safe while we're dealing with the drug problem."
     Based on the response of those present at the public meeting, Gardner says it was clear that people are concerned and want something done. County management and the commissioners exist to run the county's business, Gardner explains. The county's municipalities "own the business." He told those gathered, "We are here to tell you that the business is suffering, and we're asking, 'What do you want us to do?'"
     A law enforcement group will create the game plan and will give a presentation at a public meeting in the near future. Gardner is hoping that the weather will cooperate and that representatives from all 46 municipalities and the unorganized territories will come. "These are big decisions. You need to come ready to represent the interests of your people."

Resident suggests options
     Nancy Oden of Jonesboro was unable to attend the meeting but sent some suggestions looking at creative ways to augment law enforcement efforts. While many of her suggestions were about the prevention side of substance use, she suggested some tactics that include: random, frequent traffic stops at all or at least the major entry points into Washington County; occasional drug detection dog visits to larger fishing ports to let the dogs check boats coming in; and checking local vehicles that look "suspicious."
     She noted, "Officers likely have good ideas where drugs are coming from within the county, as well." She added, "There is a prejudice against 'profiling,' but we need to ignore that prejudice when officers have good reason to check on this or that person or vehicle. Our children are dying, against which someone's hurt feelings at being stopped do not amount to much."