Signs of Drug Activity
Like all US cities, Danville faces a growing battle against drugs. The police can't solve this problem alone. Success requires community involvement. It is important that you know what an investigation requires and how you can help.
It's often hard to be certain what you are seeing involves drugs, but some patterns may indicate drug activity:
- An unusually large amount of traffic coming to the building - in cars, taxis, or walking - often at strange hours. Visitors may sometimes pound on doors or shout to be let in. This traffic is usually quick with people staying only a short time. Sometimes they don't go in at all; instead, someone comes out to meet them.
- Finding drugs or drug paraphernalia (syringes, pipes, etc.) in the area.
- Repeated, observable exchanges of items, especially where money is visible.
- Offers to sell you drugs, or conversations about drugs that you overhear.
- Noxious odors from or around the buildings, such as "musty" smells.
- Buildings where extreme security measures seem to be taken.
- Buildings where no owner or primary renter is apparent, and no home activities, yard work, painting/maintenance, etc., seem to go on.
Many communities have unpopular residents. But obnoxious or peculiar behavior, or a different lifestyle, racial or ethnic background, or economic level doesn't necessarily mean the person is a drug dealer.
How To Report Drug Activity
Don't assume the police already know, or that a neighbor will call. Don't assume one report is all that is needed. If the activity keeps on occurring, keep on reporting it. If the pattern changes, report that change. All neighbors affected by the drug activity are encouraged to report.
In Progress
For drug activity that is in progress or needs an immediate police response, call 911. If a patrol car is available, an officer will respond.
On-Going
On-going drug activity, which police need to be aware of, but which doesn't require immediate response, can be reported by calling 859-238-1224 Ext. 343. This reaches the Narcotics Section of the Danville Police Department. A police officer will take your activity report over the phone.
Or you can e-mail the police department by accessing the website at www.danvillepd.com with your concerns or tip information. While you certainly can report drug activity anonymously, it is more helpful if you will give your name and phone number in case other information is needed. You can ask that your name not be released to anyone.
Officer Response
If a patrol car is free when you report drug activity, an officer will respond. However, drug transactions seldom involve any danger to either participants or bystanders, and crimes that endanger someone must have first priority. Also, drug deals are completed quickly and are often over before an officer can arrive.
Not Sufficient for Arrest
Citizen reports usually can't be the primary cause for a drug arrest. Unless you have special training or experience with drugs or drug users, the courts will say an arrest based only on your testimony isn't justified. Since few citizens can meet the strict legal standards, officers who do have the training and experience must make their own observations and collect evidence the courts will accept. Both your rights and those of other people have to be protected in the process of stopping drug trafficking.
Provides Cause for Investigation
Your reports are important even if they cannot be used as the direct cause for an arrest. They allow the police to be a aware of the problem and provide a reason to undertake an investigation of a person or location.
The investigation may include drug buys made by undercover officers or reliable police informants. These buys are the best evidence and must be made under carefully controlled conditions. During the investigation you may not see any evidence of police activity. If sufficient cause can be established, police may seek a search warrant.
Persons who possess drugs will be arrested. The court may release them on bail, however, and they may return to the neighborhood while they await trial. Dealers often move elsewhere or stop dealing after an arrest.
Final Note
Drug usage hurts more than the user. A significant number of all crimes against property can be traced back to drug use. Addicts often rely on theft and fraud as a means of financing their drug dependency.
A large portion of domestic violence is attributable to drug and alcohol abuse. Physical abuse is the most common form of abuse, however, many women and children also suffer from neglect and psychological abuse.
The Danville Police Department is committed to providing a safe environment in which to live and work. Curbing the distribution of illegal drugs and related criminal activity is paramount to our success. This can only happen through aggressive tactics and the apprehension of those involved.
Thank you for supporting the Danville Police Department and our drug interdiction efforts.
C. Jeffrey Peek, Chief of Police
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