Let's Help People with Addictions before they are in Jail/Prison
Here in Livingston County we see plenty of drug use, distribution and other crimes which take place because drug users trying to support a habit or aggression and violent acts either because of the drugs or issues between those involved at some level of drug use/distribution.
Our area of Missouri is really no different from many other counties in the United States. We often see many drug addicts who are more loyal to their drug supplier than their religious beliefs, spouse, and family.
I want to share some helpful information which many people may need and not nearly enough are aware exists in our community. The issues I am speaking about involve “Addiction” and daily those of us in law enforcement work with people who are suffering from additions and/or been impacted by those issues. Local addictions can involve drug addicts, alcoholics, gambling, pornography, and more.
Addictions also significantly impact the family, friends, and employers of those with various issues but can also cause serious and significant problems for the Victims of crime. We see disturbances, thefts, burglaries, assaults, sex offenses and other violence committed where the basic underlying issue is drugs.
On July 25, 2018 we were holding 43 detainees at the Daviess Dekalb County Regional Jail. Upon a quick check of the charge and/or reason for bond or probation violation, in my opinion at least 34 of those 43 people are or have allegedly been involved in addiction and/or the distribution of drugs.
Our entire community, state, and country needs to put an end to this abuse and cycle which destroy families, teach children how to use and sell drugs, and be a complete drain on even society. For the majority of these people incarceration alone will never be the answer. These people need encouragement from family, friends, communities, and even law enforcement to intervene and stop the addictions and help change their life style before they get wrapped up in the legal and penal systems. Quick thought on local cost to Livingston County Tax Payers: 34 detainees at $40 per person per day in jail = $1,360 per DAY = $496,400 per YEAR. That is here in our small 3rd class county alone. WOW!
Law Enforcement and Courts typically deal with legal violations. Yes there is drug court, probation, and treatment opportunities in prison. But maybe we need to focus more on fore thought than hind sight. Helping people is very difficult when some are afraid to be seen at counseling or attempting to get help in fear of arrest, ridicule, and even retaliation by their peers. Often times I have told people on car stops, calls for service, phone conversations, and even detainees that we do not want to see them in jail, we want to see them being clean and a productive member of the community. To stop allowing their children to see mom or dad in and out of jail/prison. A non-violent mistake does not always make someone a bad person.
Those that profit and deal the death drugs to our citizens and children should be in front of a judge. Those we in law enforcement and the community see need to recognize the signs and intervene before that person makes someone a crime victim or has to see the Judge or jail.
I have included some information on local groups where you can talk with a real person and get the help either you or a friend or loved one needs. Never be afraid to call or reach out as doing so is a sign of a much stronger person inside that wants to do better. Take action.
The LCSO and several other area agencies are starting a Crisis Intervention Team, which is headed by Chief Deputy Michael Claypole for our office. We hope to have much more to report on the CIT for you in the near future.
Please keep, use, and share the following contacts with anyone and everyone. Encourage and support those in need of this to attend, listen, participate, and live. Together let’s make Livingston County and Missouri a better and safer place:
Recovery of Chillicothe is located at 600 Webster, Chillicothe.
- Alcoholics Anonymous is 12 noon on Monday through Saturday and you can call “Charlotte” at 816-898-9675.
- Narcotics Anonymous is on Friday at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday-AA is 1:00 p.m.
- Codependence Anonymous is Thursday at 10:30 a.m. and you can call “Donna” at 660-734-1292.
North Central Missouri Mental Health can be reached at 660-646-6872.
Celebrate Recovery information is can be viewed by clicking HERE.
Trust me, life is TOO short as is. Thank you!
Sheriff Steve Cox