Narcotics
Time and time again I have been asked what I feel is the number one (1) issue facing our county today. Hands down it is illegal narcotics. Most all crimes committed in Fulton County today have some connection to the sale or use of illegal narcotics. If elected, the administration will take a three-pronged approach to targeting this problem.
1. Investigations
2. Interdiction Patrols
3. Recovery
Investigations
My goal is to bring back a full-time narcotics investigator. I conducted investigations (part-time) under Sheriff Walker Conley's administration which resulted in taking numerous methamphetamine manufactures and pill dealers off the streets. We seized over $20,000 in U.S. currency, hundreds of firearms, and personal property including real estate and vehicles from these dealers. In 2015, Sheriff Christopher Sailors assigned me to the CLEAN multiagency narcotics investigations team. During the first 5 months, our investigations yielded the arrest of 87 defendants on 172 felony charges. Additionally, we seized over $140,000.00 in U.S. currency from these dealers in both Miami and Fulton County. I know how to successfully conduct these investigations and I know how to supervise these investigations.
Interdiction Patrols
Starting in 2016 as part of my assigned duties as Detective Sergeant, I compile the monthly statistics and data reports for the Sheriff and other county officials. I know what crimes are being reported where in the county. Bringing targeted criminal interdiction patrols to these areas during peak times of activity will result in numerous arrests and ultimately a reduction of crime in that area.
Recovery
When the first two are successful, which I am confident they will be, we need to focus on recovery. We have a captive, sober audience while these individuals are incarcerated. We currently do a good job of planting the seed with groups that meet with inmates regularly but believe we can enhance those efforts. I believe we need to look at what Sheriff Kyle Dukes is doing with the J.C.A.P. (Jail Chemical Addiction Program) in Kosciusko County and tweak it for the needs and available resources for Fulton County. J.C.A.P. is a 4-month substance abuse program within the jail. Applicants are screened in through a selection committee comprised of members of probation, sheriff's office, jail staff, and prosecutor's office. Inmates are housed independent of other inmates and the expectations while they are in the program are much greater. These individuals are being held accountable, some for the first time in their lives. They are in classes several hours a day. Many of these classes are focusing on their recovery, but many are focusing on life skills as well. CPR, job interviewing, consumer math, as well as parenting and anger management. Kosciusko County touts a 59% success rate with their program which is far higher than the national average.
F.A.C.T. (Fatal Alcohol Crash Team)
This specialized team would investigate all vehicular crashes resulting in death or serious bodily injury in our jurisdiction in which alcohol and/or drugs are involved. This team will take an objective and standardized approach to these investigations to ensure the arrest and convictions of drivers who seriously injure or kill due to driving under the influence. The thoroughness that these types of investigations require should not rest solely on the first responder. The team will be comprised of motivated officers who have expressed interest in DUI investigations, reconstruction education, standardized field sobriety test, interviewing, evidence collection, and digital evidence analysis.
Narcan Availability For Individuals Upon Release From Incarceration
This will be funded by state and local grants. Inmates will go through a pre-release screening where they will be provided contact information for community-based resources and services for recovery. My goal in making Narcan available upon release without barriers is to help reduce the stigma surrounding substance use disorder and could ultimately save a life. Relapse should not be a life sentence, but far to often is. I have consoled the parents whose child didn't get a second chance. I've also worked with these same parents to investigate and ultimately watch the successful prosecution of the individuals that dealt the drugs and resulted in someone else's death.