Well-meaning citizens sometimes get upset with law enforcement officers when they’re certain drug use and trafficking is occurring under their noses and, from all apparent outward appearances, officers are doing nothing about it.
Patience is the watchword.
Unless officers have reasonable suspicion a person is harboring drugs, they have little option immediately to slap on handcuffs. The lion’s share of consequential drug arrests seldom occur on the quick, for very good reason.
While laws and the court system don’t favor drug dealers, there are steps that must be taken to ensure a case is rock-solid.
Evidence must be obtained, often the result of excruciatingly long-term surveillance and good, old-fashioned police work, before a search warrant may be issued.
Also, during a search, officers must be careful in collecting evidence and how they handle potential suspects.
The day of Elliot Ness crashing through a door with a battering ram seldom occurs today. A more civilized approach is dictated by laws designed to protect the innocent.
Once arrests are made, additional legwork and examination of evidence and circumstances are required before a case goes to a court hearing to determine whether it is sufficient.
Meanwhile, Joe and Jill Citizen have a role in helping officers smell out possible offenses.
Allen County Crime Stoppers has been a godsend.
The organization offers rewards for information leading to solutions of crimes and many times its appeals to the public have made a difference.
If you notice something suspicious, don’t be reluctant to call 911. Your identity is kept confidential and what you may have noticed may help keep your community safer.
Getting involved for the public good is a responsibility of citizenship.
— Bob Johnson
