LOCAL DRUG CULTURE HAS LESSENED,SHERIFF SAYS

The drug culture in Clark County has lessened, Clark County Sheriff
Ray Caudill told the Winchester Kiwanis Club Wednesday.

"They don't want to be in this area," he declared, in reviewing
efforts in dealing with the drug problem and other criminal activities
here.

There have been a number of large marijuana arrests here, he said,
noting thousands of dollars of property has been confiscated.

"We're hitting them in the pocketbook and putting them in prison," he
said. He lauded judges for not "cutting any slack" with drug users.
Jurors also were praised for "not handing down weak sentences" and for
"absolutely putting it on druggers."

He urged anyone observing suspicious activities to report them to his
office immediately. Anyone knowing of an elderly homebound person
needing a daily check also should submit their name, he said.

Caudill said he has endeavored to get more deputies on the roads on
"critical nights," noting as many as seven deputies could work Friday
and Saturday nights. Reserves also are utilized, he said, especially
in making prisoner transports and serving papers.

The speaker lauded his deputies for doing a "great job," noting that
in addition to business checks, house checks have been implemented. A
deputy recently completed training as a certified accident
reconstructionist, Caudill said, and also is available to assist
Winchester police.

Caudill said he and his deputies drove 18,000 miles last year
transporting prisoners and juveniles back and forth to Breathitt
County, and only got paid $400 for it. "There's really a lot of money
going out for gasoline for hauling these kids," he said.

Radar patrols of area roads have been increased and all officers now
have new, bullet-proof vests, the speaker said. His office also has a
full-time grant writer, he said, noting that just recently a $158,000
technology grant was received for new computers in his office and
laptops and a computer data base for each cruiser, as well as digital
cameras.

Officers will be able to work an accident in the county, do the report
on the laptop in their cruiser while still on the scene, then drive up
to the Sheriff's Department and download it into the office, he said.

Traffic wrecks continue to be a problem, he said, particularly on the
Boonesboro, Irvine, Iron Works and Mt. Sterling roads. A traffic
highway safety grant has been received for radar and overtime for
officers to watch for DUIs and to work radar, he said.

Clark County Disaster and Emergency Services Director Gary Epperson
recently was successful in obtaining 16 new portable radios for his
office, Caudill said, noting they will help deputies communicate in
areas where transmission previously was poor. Epperson also brings
signs to wreck scenes to help reroute traffic, Caudill said.

In addition, his department has received a new John Deere Gator to
work special events, such as the Clark County Fair and activities at
Lykins Park. Epperson also was instrumental in getting the department
two new four-wheelers to use in searching for lost children or to
check for marijuana fields, he said.

In a question and answer session, Caudill said:

* His department can keep items confiscated from drug dealers only if
the Drug Enforcement Administration has been involved in the case and
it has gone to federal court.

* Barriers on Interstate 64 are a problem for law enforcement and
emergency vehicles whose drivers must drive into Fayette County to the
Avon exit before they can turn around to reach motorists needing help
in the eastbound lanes in Clark County. "It's a bad thing," he said.

* He wished grants were available for cruisers as some of his are
showing their age. Large cars are used, he said, because it's
difficult to put prisoners in the back of small cars.

* Chemicals are getting to be the drug of choice, noting that teens
often will order pills online, then intercept delivery trucks and
signing for them with a fictitious name. "It's a nightmare," he said.

* He hopes to offer a Citizens Police Academy again this
year.

Bob King was program chairman. Angie Lang presided.