There is a concern among our Arnaudville citizens about
drugs – use as well as distribution. It’s an issue that embeds itself into our
communities as drugs filter into our schools, playgrounds, neighborhoods, and
even in people’s backyards. The dealers
and users blatantly, and unashamedly, transact their business on side streets, parking lots, and bridges. Arnaudville, and other small towns have become havens for
drug users and dealers, partly due to the lack of resources, the lack of
experienced law enforcement professionals, and sometimes weak, and ineffective
leadership that turns a blind eye to the growing and often complex problem. Speaking in general terms, police corruption
can be a problem, as well. The reputation of a police department
becomes a factor that might determine for the drug user/dealer if this might be
a place where they can engage in drug activity undisturbed, safe in the
knowledge that “no one is looking” or there is no appetite for addressing the
problem, or worse – “bad cops” might be easily persuaded with favors and promises of kick-backs to undermine or
sabotage efforts to crack down on their enterprise. Citizens become frustrated as they watch, or are aware of
drug activity, but feel nothing is being done about it, or they witness a
revolving door for those guilty. Many times we see the perpetrators “walk” due
to technicalities and methods used or not used by law enforcement, including
evidence gathering, search and seizure protocol, and finally
report-writing. Any one of these snafus alone, or in a combination can cause a case to be thrown out. As the highest ranking law enforcement officer of
Arnaudville, I understand the frustration, realize there is a drug problem, and
am committed to addressing it. In our
effort to tackle the problem, multiple law enforcement agencies on a Federal,
regional, and local level must work together to organize successful drug
busts. I am aware of the rural police
departments’ limitations and restrictions, so I have been about the building of
strong relationships with St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office, St. Martin’s
Sheriff’s Office, as well as other neighboring agencies. As quickly as feasible, our officers are
receiving additional training, and as quickly as possible, I am upgrading
equipment, establishing protocols and procedures, and providing hands-on
leadership. ALL of this preliminary
activity will produce for Arnaudville in the long run, the tools necessary to
address the drug issue and all criminal elements living and operating among us. Citizens can assist by reporting drug activity they witness,
and hopefully credible and reliable information will help initiate planning and
preparation. Drug round up's take time, sometimes six-months to a year's worth
of planning if we want to get at the core – the dealer(s). It’s not a run with guns blazing kind of
operation. Our best advantages are
preparation and planning, and the element of surprise. But even with preparation the element of
danger never disappears, forcing officers to consistently bring their
"A" game. Be aware that citizens will not see the planning and preparation;
they will not become aware of the time, place and circumstance. In some cases one law enforcement agency may
not be aware of another’s activity until it is over, because confidentiality makes the element of surprise
work in our favor. Your concerns are noted.
Your concerns are also mine, and are among our priorities going forward. |