Focusing Efforts on Working Together to Curb the Drug Problem
The drug problem facing our community in western Ohio and across the state is an issue that requires persistent attention and steadfast resolve. I have been very tuned into this issue and will keep working to address it.
Last summer, a study committee traveled across the state to learn more about the drug problem facing us. As a result, the committee was able to discuss several policy initiatives that would help those addicted to drugs in Ohio. The information gathered in those committee meetings resulted in a number of bills that primarily focused on access to high quality recovery care.
This summer, my colleagues and I are planning to travel the state to further study law enforcement’s role in curbing this problem. Law enforcement needs the ability to identify users and peddlers in order to provide them with the help they need—sometimes traditional methods such as incarceration only make the problem worse. Listening to the experts on the ground will help identify ways that Ohio can improve the ability of law enforcement to work on this issue.
In order to solve the growing drug problem, we must have a comprehensive plan for treatment and enforcement. To accomplish this, the barriers between law enforcement jurisdictions must be broken down so that they can work more effectively to crack down on drug rings.
Unfortunately, it seems Ohio’s law enforcement officers often have their hands tied when encountering drug problems. A major focus of the committee work will be determining barriers in law enforcement communication and developing a strategic plan for all jurisdictions to work together. The committee will travel Ohio, gathering input from experts and citizens alike from each region in the state.
At the conclusion of the process, the committee will prepare a comprehensive report to help guide policy initiatives in the legislature over the next year. The increasing drug problem in the state is something we should all be concerned about. There is a lot of work yet to do, but I will continue to address this issue with the help of the local law enforcement community and the mental health and addiction services folks. The fight against drugs in our state is a battle that must be steadfast in its effort and resolve.
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