CITY'S DRUG PROBLEM MAY NOT BE GETTING WORSE, BUT IT'S CHANGING:
PRESCRIPTION DRUGS, AVAILABILITY TO CHILDREN SEEN AS MAIN PROBLEMS

HORNELL - The city's drug problem may not be getting worse, but it is changing.

Police say they haven't seen an increase in drug use overall, but
that prescription drug use is on the rise, and most worrisome, drugs
are easily available to children.

Ellen Stewart, secretary to the chief, said overall, from January
2006 to present, there have been 47 unlawful possession of marijuana
charges, two charges of people growing cannabis without a license and
30 arrests involving the criminal sale or criminal possession of a
controlled substance.

Interim Police Chief Ted Murray said there has not been an increase
in drug use overall in the community, but prescription drugs are
becoming more popular.

"We're seeing more and more prescription-type drugs being used in an
illegal manner," he said.

Murray said powder drugs, such as cocaine, used to be found more
often. He said prescription, or diversion drugs as they are called,
are much more popular now.

He said anyone found to be in possession of any amount of drugs is
automatically charged with a misdemeanor. He said the more of a drug
someone has, the more serious the crime. He also said intent plays a
factor in charging the person, and intent to sell drugs is a more
serious crime.

During the March 9 Board of Public Safety meeting, the police
department reported that Sgt. Mike Sexsmith and Inv. Tom Aini found a
quarter-pound of mushrooms, a psychadelic drug, in the possession of
school-aged children on March 7. Those involved were charged with
third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.

Former Police Chief Paul Crowe said during the meeting more and more
drugs are being distributed to school-aged children. Murray said one
other incident involving mushrooms occurred in the last 6-8 months.

Murray said there hasn't necessarily been an increase in the number
of children using drugs, but he said psychadelic-type drugs are more
accessible to children because of the current culture and because
they are less expensive than other drugs.

Murray also said alcohol use among children is nothing new, and has
been going on for years and years.

"I think alcohol is the number one abused substance among young
people," he said.

Murray said he hasn't seen any drastic increase in alcohol abuse
among young people. He said anyone under 21 found to be in possession
of alcohol is charged with a violation, which means they aren't given
a criminal history.

Murray said children usually obtain alcohol from people in the
community who are willing to supply it to them, which is illegal. He
said some children get alcohol from their parents' houses or other
places of that nature.

He said people who serve minors alcohol are always subject to a
criminal investigation. He said if they are found to be responsible,
they are charged with a misdemeanor, which is more serious than the
possession charge. Murray said children aren't always willing to give
information easily, which can hinder investigations.

School Resource Officer Rich Scavo said he hasn't personally seen any
noticable sort of increase as far as the number of children using drugs.

"I haven't noticed any considerable change at all," he said.

Scavo teaches the 6th grade drug education program, which is a
partnership between Project ALERT and DARE, at Hornell Junior High
School. He said the program lasts 13 weeks, during which time
children learn about the effects of drugs, peer pressure and self-esteem.

Project ALERT addresses tobacco, alcohol, marijuana and inhalants,
and teaches students skills for resisting drug use. DARE, or Drug
Abuse Resistance Education, teaches children skills they need to
avoid becoming involved with drugs, gangs and violence.

Scavo said Hornell schools also work with Hornell Concern for Youth,
and drug topics are covered in 7th and 10th grade health classes.

Murray said the police always try to obtain information as to where
adults or children purchase drugs, because they're always trying to
reach a higher source.

"Sometimes we're successful, sometimes we're not," he added.