Series: 5 Of 16

AN UPHILL BATTLE

Law enforcement officers are used to facing danger on the job. But throw
drugs into the equation and that danger grows exponentially. "I responded
to a call about a shooting at a house," said Bill Kennedy, who was a
patrolman for 12 years before becoming commander of the Talladega Drug and
Violent Crime Task Force.

The call was to the home of a man who started shooting out all the windows
of his house while his pregnant wife huddled in a room fearing for her life.

"He swore people were coming through the windows," Kennedy said.

Fortunately, nobody was injured in the shooting, but law enforcement
officials know too well how people can act under the influence of drugs and
the dangers drugs can present.

"There is always the risk of danger when you're dealing with a person on
drugs," said St. Clair County Sheriff's Department Capt. David Garrett.
"Drugs affect a person's ability to reason and to think rationally."

Kennedy agreed.

"The most dangerous stage is when an individual hasn't slept for three to
15 days because of drugs, and they are irrational and paranoid," Kennedy said.

But this is not the only danger officers face almost on a daily basis
because of drug use.

"I think it's more dangerous for all law enforcement, especially since
crystal meth (methamphetamine) has become so popular," said Mike Hubbard,
chief investigator for the Talladega County Sheriff's Department.

Garrett said crystal meth use is on the rise because it's cheap to make and
highly addictive.

"It's dangerous to manufacture and dangerous to use," Garrett said.

A methamphetamine lab is volatile because chemicals used to manufacture the
drug are highly flammable.

Officers have to break down any meth labs they discover. It's a dangerous
undertaking, not only because of the potential for fire, but because fumes
from chemicals used in the process can be toxic to breathe.

Crystal meth labs have been found in trailers, sheds and homes. But more
labs are being constructed and used in vehicles, like vans and recreational
vehicles, because of the mobility. The manufacturing process of crystal
meth emits a strong, distinct odor, which can raise the suspicions of
neighbors. Some people transport meth labs to isolated areas to manufacture
the drug.

Methamphetamine is not the only drug gaining in popularity.

"Based on what I see, there is an increase in prescription drug abuse -
nerve pills, pain killers and anti-depressants," Garrett said.

All three lawmen said drugs contribute to other crimes, and those addicted
to drugs will do almost anything to get their hands on them, including murder.

"The majority of crime is drug related in some shape, form or fashion,"
Hubbard said. "A lot of violent crime in the area stems back to drugs. We
have four active murder cases, and 75 percent of those, or 3 out of 4, are
drug related in some way."

Drug addiction also contributes to the rise of other crimes like theft,
burglary and armed robbery, officials said.

"Drugs have a tremendous impact economically, physically and socially,"
Garrett said.

He estimates that 90 percent of the residential burglaries in St. Clair
County are drug related. Hubbard estimates that about 80 percent of the
crimes in Talladega County involving theft, burglary and armed robbery are
related to drugs.

Garrett said drugs affect everyone in some way, from car insurance to
employment.

"Drugs are a burden on society," Hubbard said. "It's not like they (drug
addicts) are working 40 hours a week."

Hubbard also said the cycle of drug addiction can continue with the
children of drug abusers.

"There's not a family who hasn't been affected by drugs," Hubbard said.