SPOTTING DRUG ACTIVITY IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

I often talk with citizens who express concern over residences where there
appears to be illicit activity taking place. Many times, the descriptions
of what goes on at these places are characteristic of potential narcotics
activity. Here are some general indicators of illegal drug activity - the
following signs are more general. They could be indicators of various
types of illegal drug activity including drug distribution, manufacturing
or growing.

* Expensive vehicles: People in extremely expensive cars regularly
visiting renters who appear less solvent may be significant.

* Unusual fortification of a building or residence: Blacked-out windows,
the internal taping down of curtains, window bars, extra deadbolts, and
expensive alarm systems may be significant. Note that growing operators
and 'drug cooks', in particular, often add fortifications - extra locks,
bars on windows and thorough window coverings are typical. Frequent visits
to the premises, or trips away from the premises. This would be a
significant sign only if the trips are made from a location where other
indicators of drug activity are observed.

* Firearms: The presence of weapons, of all types in the premises, may
indicate drug activity. Drug dealers typically sell small quantities to
many purchasers. Dealing locations are usually high traffic locations with
each person buying a small amount of drugs.

* Heavy traffic: For example, a number of cars and pedestrians stopping at
a home for only brief periods. Traffic may be cyclical, increasing on
weekends or late at night

* Exchanges of money: Cash and packets may be traded through windows, mail
boxes or under doorways. People bring valuables into the premises.
Visitors regularly bring televisions, bicycles, DVD's and cameras - and
leave empty handed.

* Waiting in cars and use of odd parking locations: Visitors may sit in
their cars for a while after leaving a residence or may leave one person
in the car while the others visit. Visitors also may park around a corner
or a few blocks away and approach on foot.

* Lookouts: Frequently lookouts will be younger people who tend to hang
around the property during heavy traffic periods described earlier.

* Regular activity at extremely late hours: For example, noise and
visitors between midnight and dawn.

* Other obvious signs: These signs may include people exchanging small
packets for cash, people using drugs while sitting in their cars, and
syringes or other paraphernalia left in common areas or on neighboring
property.