Cannabis Awareness - Sensibilisation au cannabis 45 Committee a ‘proactive approach’ to combat meth abuse: police By Mark Rickard, Bugle Observer. Originally published Nov. 29, 2019 Woodstock police Chief Gary Forward wants to set up a community advisory committee to tackle methamphetamine use and trafficking in the community. Chief Forward, who said the issue is “a serious public safety concern,” announced a new strategy to combat methamphetamine at the Woodstock Town Council meeting Monday night. He said the committee won’t be led by police, but is a c o m m u n i t y - l e d initiative. “The police are hoping to facilitate, bring this partnership together and work toward initiatives here in the community to tackle the growing issue that is crystal meth,” Chief Forward told council. A media release said the Woodstock police are raising awareness about “the destructive nature of methamphetamine through our education and enforcement efforts.” The release said the police force will maintain educational and enforcement efforts toward the disruption of those involved in the production and trafficking of illicit drugs. The force will also provide school presentations and public forums related to illegal drug use. Chief Forward said he has heard from community residents concerned about illicit drugs, including methamphetamine. “The police are just one of many partners,” he said. “The forming of the advisory committee is a good step toward further defining what the concerns are.” Gauging the seriousness of crystal meth abuse in the town is a difficult task for the force, but the committee should help the force raise awareness and enforcement efforts, Chief Forward said. “Illicit drug use can see a potential rise in property crimes and violent crimes, but we don’t have definitive answers (now),” he said. “The best thing to do is to look at and try to assess over a period of time.” Const. Shaun Kimball, the force’s community resource officer, said taking a proactive approach to drug use and enforcement makes people aware of the danger of these illicit drugs. “I think this will certainly be a component of the community resource position. It’s a pilot project now, and in consultation with the community members and CAO, we will continue to evaluate and determine whether the (community resource) officer goes ahead,” Chief Forward said. The police force hopes to have the first meetings of the advisory committee meeting early in the new year. Woodstock police said anyone with information or questions on illicit drug trafficking should contact the force at 1-506-325-4601. “If you wish to remain anonymous, please contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-2228477 or online at www.crimenb.ca,” the release said. Bill Hogan, Woodstock High School principal, and Const. Shaun Kimball, community resource officer for the Woodstock Police Force, discuss a new community advisory committee planned to tackle methamphetamine use and trafficking in the community. Photo: Mark Rickard/Bugle Observer
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