Background
The use of methamphetamine, a central nervous system stimulant often referred
to by its street names such as crank, speed, ice, or crystal, has been a persistent
problem for law enforcement agencies across the United States in recent years.
Methamphetamine is cheap and addictive, and was traditionally developed in
clandestine laboratories which were often located in remote areas.
Methamphetamine spread quickly, most noticeably in rural areas, largely due to the
simple preparation methods used as well as manufacturers having easy access to
the necessary precursor chemicals. In more recent years, changing trends in
methamphetamine production and distribution have created new obstacles for law
enforcement and public health agencies. While law enforcement efforts and
precursor chemical sale restrictions have been successful in decreasing the
domestic production of methamphetamine, foreign drug traffickers have capitalized
on this decreased availability by quickly expanding their avenues of
methamphetamine distribution as users have sought out new, reliable supplies.
Alabama COPS Methamphetamine Grant Executive Summary
Alabama’s methamphetamine production, distribution and use continues to have far-reaching effects on the state’s criminal justice system. Programs supported by the multi-agency initiatives are designed to respond to illicit methamphetamine trafficking, and problems associated with manufacturing, and producing, methamphetamine.
In 2004 a total of 285 individuals were arrested for manufacturing methamphetamine, 49 for distributing and 256 for possession. The trend beginning in 2001 was 49 adults and juveniles arrested for methamphetamine, 2002---250, 2003---324, 2004---590 and 2005---601 which amounts to an 1126.5% increase over the five year period.
Alabama’s current network of criminal justice agencies are in need of enhanced resources, to investigate, develop intelligence and prevent methamphetamine operations from continuing the trend of increasing criminal activities while infesting Alabama's citizens with methamphetamine. Illegal drug trafficking in Alabama is complex because of the geography, climate, proximity to the gulf coast and the developed river systems. Alabama’s system of airports serves as entry points for drugs arriving by light aircraft. A significant number of the airports are in isolated areas or in counties with law enforcement agencies under equipped to effectively combat the incidence of organized drug operations and violent crime.
The Alabama Legislature passed a precursor law which has caused a reduction in the number of local methamphetamine labs. Currently indications are that methamphetamine is being imported from Mexico.
Methamphetamine abusers maintain the high for as long as possible becoming hyperactive, both mentally and physically, which increases domestic violence and assaults on law enforcement. Criminal Justice agencies require specialized training and resources to protect the public and prevent methamphetamine abuse.
Many of Alabama’s counties are unable to financially support effective measures to combat the current increases in methamphetamine related crime. Approximately 60% of Alabama’s police departments are five men or less with sheriffs departments statewide averaging 35 sworn officers, however, when the 4 larger counties are subtracted the average declines to 23 sworn officers per department. Effective enforcement of methamphetamine related crime requires specialized training, personnel, intensive investigation and surveillance efforts, and specialized equipment. Specialized enforcement resources are beyond the reach of the majority of Alabama’s jurisdictions. Rural counties throughout Alabama serve as the entry point for methamphetamine being smuggled into the state; also concealed labs are located in isolated areas. By increasing cooperation, and specializing training results that are otherwise unattainable will be enhanced throughout the state.
Project Description
Alabama's project will be to provide training to an estimated 12,428 law enforcement officers at five locations around the state. The training curriculum will make available resources to the state's 386 police departments and 67 sheriff's agencies. Training will also be made available to Department of Health and Human Services personnel, education personnel and Alabama parole officers.
Alabama is proposing that all first responder officers be trained in the investigation and recognition of the characteristics of illicit labs. Additionally, the curriculum will address issues of child endangerment, procedures to remove underage individuals from the immediate danger, and contacting appropriate resource agencies that are charged with the responsibility of caring for juveniles. Training will also include intelligence gathering procedures, including criteria to enter information into Alabama's intelligence systems that share information with the several state law enforcement agencies.
The training schedule will include presentations for two years. Information imparted to law enforcement officers through training will increase their effectiveness at presenting accurate and beneficial to the public.
Contact
Randy Ray
Program Manager
(334) 353-3771
randy.ray@adeca.alabama.gov
Tom Goree
Program Manager
(334) 242-5831
tom.goree@adeca.alabama.gov