80 METH LABS HAVE BEEN DISMANTLED IN CLEVELAND, BRADLEY COUNTY

As many of you already know, Cleveland/Bradley County has seen a
staggering increase in methamphetamine use and production over the
past three years. Between Jan. 1 and Aug. 25, the Southeast Tennessee
Methamphetamine Task Force reports 80 meth labs have been discovered
and disposed of in Cleveland/Bradley County.

Only 56 labs were dismantled during the entire year of 2003. The most
meth labs discovered in Tennessee during a calendar year was in Marion
County with 91 being discovered in 2001.

The Cleveland Police Department has provided the public with
information on the necessary chemicals used to produce
methamphetamine, and we have received unwavering cooperation from
merchants and citizens in the community. Discovery of many meth labs
that have been dismantled this year can be largely attributed to this
cooperation.

The production and use of methamphetamine not only affects those
involved, but those close by. Most importantly it affects the children
in those settings. They cannot make the decision to participate in
this scourge that has contaminated our community. They are innocent
and are victimized by methamphetamine. The Tennessee Department of
Child Services investigated 39 cases in Cleveland/Bradley County that
involved children living in or dangerously close to meth labs since
the beginning of April 2004. There were 73 children involved in those
39 cases. As a result of their investigations, 38 children were
removed from what was determined to be a dangerous
environment.

Methamphetamine has proven to contaminate all socioeconomic classes
and races within our community as well as across the Southeast.
Historically, no other drug has accomplished this. Whether it be
methamphetamine or crystallized methamphetamine (a more pure form), it
has affected almost everyone in our community. Drug abuse is a disease
that does not have an easy cure, but together we can move forward and
fight this battle.

If you would like information or literature related to
methamphetamine, please contact Crime Prevention Officer George
Campbell at 559-3386. If you would like to inform the Cleveland Police
Department of possible methamphetamine use and/or production, please
contact the Special Investigations Unit at 559-3305. You can remain
anonymous.

Traffic Tip

Unfortunately our city's first traffic fatality was recorded this week
on Stuart Road. CPD will be aggressively enforcing the speed limit in
this and other areas of the city. Speed limits are set for the safety
of motorists. Please obey the posted speed limits wherever you travel.
Speed is a contributing factor in most fatal crashes.

Thank You

A special thank you goes to Weed & Seed Youth Services Coordinator Dee
Brooks for an excellent job planning and overseeing the Drug Education
For Youth Camp. CPD officers Evelyn Lastra, April Ratcliff, Scott
Bronze, Brandon West and Reserve Officer Tom Castello also contributed
a great deal to the success of the camp. Students who attend the camp
must reside within the Weed & Seed area and are selected by the school
system and the Youth Services Coordinator to attend the DEFY Camp.

Tips, Trends and Surveys

If your plans for the upcoming Labor Day weekend include alcohol
consumption, please drink responsibly.

CRIME TIP LINE: 728-INFO (4636)

ANIMAL CONTROL: 479-2122

LITTER HOTLINE: 559-3307

BULLYING HOTLINE: 473-1046