Vancouver Police Chief Brian Martinek and other Vancouver P.D. staff spoke about the destructive effects of methamphetamine in the community (including statistics related to methamphetamine labs and dump sites, arrests and emergency room visits in the City of Vancouver) and the efforts the Vancouver Police Department is using to combat the problem through a new Methamphetamine Awareness Program.
The Vancouver Police Department was awarded a $222,000 grant from the Department of Justice to assist with combating the growing methamphetamine problem. Components of this program include extensive public outreach and education, a media campaign, an improved enforcement plan, and technological enhancements.
Meth Stats in Vancouver VPD realized a 60% increase in meth arrests from 2000-2003. Meth use has contributed to an increase in criminal activity including assault, burglary, identity theft, mail theft, fraud/forgery, child abuse, and domestic violence. In 2003 alone, 1480 meth labs were seized in Washington state; 35 were in Clark County, and 26 were in the city of Vancouver. Of the 26 labs and dumpsites seized in Vancouver, 12 were residential meth labs, 8 were dumpsites, and 6 were mobile meth labs.
Meth has also contributed to an increase in emergency room visits in Vancouver. From October 2002 to September 2003, 22% of the patients who received drug screens in the Emergency Department tested positive for methamphetamine. 46% of these meth users were uninsured. Emergency Department employees have also sustained injuries from violent patients under the influence of methamphetamine.
To report suspected methamphetamine activity, please call 1-888-609-METH (6384)
If you need help with a methamphetamine problem, call 1-800-562-1240
For more information please consult: [ Methamphetamine ] – [ Methamphetamine Labs ]
