FOREMAN PLEASED WITH TASK FORCE RECOMMENDATIONS

Camrose Police Service (CPS) has thrown its support behind the 83
recommendations presented by the Crystal Methamphetamine Task Force
for fighting the problem of crystal methamphetamine.

"The recommendations address a lot of the concerns we have about
usage and trafficking," said Lee Foreman, Sergeant in charge of the
CPS criminal investigations division.

"I am very glad they have responded to the problem that is affecting
our communities."

Task Force Mission

The task force's recommendations fall under three predominant themes:
prevention, healing and treatment, and getting tough.

They also focus on the need for a province-wide approach, to improve
services and assess results.

"With the help of community leaders across the province, the
recommendations will stop the abuse and negative effects of crystal
meth on our communities, workplaces, families and young people," said
task force chair Colleen Klein.

"We can and must work collectively to fight against the damage of this drug."

Education

Camrose Police Service has placed a big emphasis on educating the
youth of the community about the dangers of crystal meth use.

"We operate the DARE program but we also conduct drug presentations
and were heavily involved in the formation of the task force here in
Camrose," said Sergeant Foreman. "We have also made a number of
presentations throughout the community."

The service is also committed to making life as hard as it can for
the users, drug dealers and traffickers through strong enforcement.

"The problem with drugs is it is all a vicious cycle," said Chief
Marshall Chalmers. "The users who need the drugs need to get the
money to buy them, and sometimes that involves committing crimes.

"They're continually coming up with different ways to commit those crimes."

Use Has Peaked

While crystal meth is still popular, it's usage has peaked, according
to Sergeant Foreman, and been replaced by crack cocaine as the drug of choice.

"It (crystal meth) is not as big a problem as it has been in the
past, but it is still a concern because of all the toxic chemicals
that are involved in it, and the amount of waste that is created when
the stuff is being developed."

That's not to mention the damage it causes to the human body.

"There are no long term studies on the effects of crystal meth simply
because nobody can use it for the long term. It is its own
advertising deterrent in a sense because of the side effects that
come when one uses it.

"That is why a lot of people have gone away from it."

Task Force Formation

The Crystal Meth Task Force was formed in October 2005 to build on
the work already being done and to champion, review and advise on
government strategies.

"We learned a great deal about this problem and we listened to
individuals and groups about the best way to fight back," said Dr.
Robert Westbury, task force chair. "Together we can fight back and
make a difference for Albertans."

The report and recommendations of the Premier's Task Force on Crystal
Meth and more information about the task force are available at:
http://www.stopmeth.alberta.ca