SPRINGFIELD, MO., IS CHOSEN FOR ANTI-DRUG EFFORT

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP)- Springfield has been selected as one of five cities
in the nation to participate in a federal anti-drug program that focuses on
prevention rather than punishment.

The Integrated Drug Enforcement Assistance Program involves sending a
federal agent to Springfield to work with civic leaders, law enforcement
agencies, schools and faith-based organizations.

"We simply can't arrest our way out of the drug problem," said program
coordinator Pam Brown, a DEA special agent in Washington. "We want to work
with the community to change the culture and introduce and implement some
programs that have long-lasting impact."

The program focuses on building a community coalition, identifying local
drug problems and developing a master plan to combat the problems.

Agents kicked off the program in January in Allentown, Pa., and North
Charleston, S.C. Added last week were Portsmouth, Va., Springfield and
Prichard, Ala.

Brown said once a coalition is established in Springfield, a two-day drug
summit will be held to outline a strategic plan.

She said Springfield was chosen for the program because it "had all the
ingredients," citing community support, a legitimate enforcement need and
congressional support.

Maj. Steve Ijames, who oversees the Springfield Police Department's drug
division, said its officers already know what drug causes the most problems
in Springfield.

"Everything that is drug-focused in southwest Missouri continues to be meth
related," Ijames said.

Last year, Missouri closed down more meth labs than any other state,
according to figures released by the Missouri Highway Patrol. The state
seized 1,599 labs in 2001, inching past California - which tallied 1,472 -
for the first time.

Several programs have been developed to reduce drug demand, including an
after-school program for middle school children, mentor programs and an
anti-drug media campaign.

"It's very new," said Linell Broecker, the DEA's senior preventive programs
manager. "It's working because communities have identified things they want
to do and are working to meet those objectives."

Published in Metro on Tuesday, September 3, 2002.