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Arrestee Drug and Alcohol Survey For the past several years it has been my belief that methamphetamine is enemy number one for law enforcement and for society as a whole. I have based this opinion on work experience, networking with other leaders and “gut feelings”. Since being elected Sheriff in 2005 I have been up front with my opinion that methamphetamine is the single greatest cause for crowding our jails. The problem was I didn’t have much hard data to corroborate that opinion. There have been national studies on the effects of meth and the underlying causes of criminal behavior, but nothing done at the local level. For over two years we attempted to locate someone with the expertise and time to perform such a study. In 2007 we were able to contract with Brad A. Myrstol, Ph.D. and Mindy Bradley, Ph.D. both with the University of Arkansas to perform the Washington County Arestee Drug and Alcohol Use Survey. This survey was conducted by collecting information and samples from those people being booked-in to our detention center over a specified period of time. Which means the information contained in the study is a good representative of all persons booked in. This information is interesting and basically confirms what we already believed, that methamphetamine is a huge problem. But it also indicates alcohol and other drugs are problematic; as well as the mental illness impact on our facilities. Having the information is certainly interesting but it is our hope the information will cause us to rethink how approach the problem, be it through training, enforcement initiatives or funding. Enjoy the read and I would appreciate hearing from you. Sincerely, Tim Helder
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