WORKING TOGETHER

Resources To Fight Drug Problem Require Community Effort

In the 1970s, our tropical island community was caught in the grips
of a heroin epidemic. There were burglaries, robberies and murders.

Our island currently faces a similar drug problem with crystal
methamphetamine, otherwise known as "ice." This has been made clear
in recent weeks with a number of arrests and convictions of
individuals for crimes related to crystal methamphetamine.

ADVERTISEMENT And right now, the island is short of the resources
necessary to fully and properly address the situation. From an
enforcement standpoint, the Guam Police Department lacks an adequate
number of officers both to investigate drug cases and overall. And
the police lack one of the most important tools needed to properly
handle drug cases, as well as any other investigations -- a modern
crime lab. Any significant improvement over the sub-par forensics
unit would be welcome.

There also is a need for more prosecutors. Expanding the police force
and any subsequent increase in drug arrests would be pointless if the
government lacks the attorneys to try the cases in court.

The Judiciary does have two drug courts -- both juvenile and adult --
which have shown very positive results in dealing with drug
offenders. We should look at ways to strengthen and expand these
successful programs.

Treatment and rehabilitation also falls short. The island has three
treatment facilities -- one each for juveniles, men and women -- run
by nonprofit groups. Government funding for these programs has been
approved, but GovGuam financial issues have meant delays in getting
the money to the organizations. Plus, the facilities have a limited
number of beds, which restricts how many clients can receive needed
treatment and rehabilitation services.

Guam also can do a much better job with its prevention efforts. As a
community, we need to elevate our efforts to inform the public,
particularly our youths, about the dangers and realities of drug use.
This means doing more in our schools, at our churches and within our
families. Businesses also can do more to educate employees.

The crystal methamphetamine problem on Guam affects the entire
community, and it will take all sectors of the community working
together to properly address it.