Linton Police Department focuses on fight against meth (Indiana)

http://www.tribstar.com/local/local_story_033232219.html

By Joanne Hammer
The Tribune-Star

The Linton Police Department is not a typical small-town law enforcement agency.

Although limited in numbers, within five years the department has quadrupled the number of arrests, joined a drug task force and increased community education about methamphetamine use.

“Drugs was the biggest issue and concern, that’s why we focused in on it,” said Linton Police Chief Keith McDonald. A former patrolman and detective on the department, he was appointed chief in 2000.

That year, the Police Department made 144 arrests, compared with 28 one year before. Among other accomplishments, the labs reported in the city have decreased to one last year from more than 50 the year before.

The 10-member department also was instrumental in shutting down a pipeline of meth moving from Owen County into Greene County last year.

Police seized about $250,000 worth of meth in what state officials called the largest meth bust in western Indiana.

Last month, U.S. Sen. Evan Bayh recognized the department’s efforts in eradicating meth in the community. In the Jan. 18 official record of the U.S. Senate, the Congressional Record, Bayh gave a tribute to McDonald and drug task force Officer Joshua Goodman.

“In all areas, but especially the fight against meth, Linton’s Police Department has gone well beyond the call of duty,” Bayh stated on the record. “On behalf of the State of Indiana, I want to thank the Linton Police Department for helping keep Greene County’s streets safe and its community strong and meth-free.”

Members of the Police Department appreciate the recognition.

“It’s quite an honor,” McDonald said. “I can’t begin to describe how proud I am of Josh and them. The team I have here is one any police chief could wish for.”

With Goodman as the main contact, the entire Police Department works with the South Central Narcotics Strike Force, a multi-agency drug task force. The alliance gives the department access to equipment and undercover officers, an advantage most small police departments may not have, McDonald said.

Over the past five years, police have been able to focus on eliminating drugs in part because two additional officers were hired, a reserve force was developed, a drug dog was added and an anonymous CrimeStoppers tip line was established.

The Police Department and the city jointly produce a magazine that outlines risks and symptoms of drugs. In grades 6 and 7, police officers go into schools to talk about drugs, show students pictures of meth labs dismantled in Greene County and photographs of people whose appearance has changed because of meth use.

“It hits home,” McDonald said.

Those in the community are proud of the effort the Police Department has made in its effort to decrease crime.

“He’s brought the force up to what it should be,” said Greene County Councilman Brent Murray. “You could not get a better police force.”

Joanne Hammer can be reached at (812) 231-4214 or joanne.hammer@tribstar.com.