Title
Proposed Gainesville Police Department Comprehensive Drug Plan Funding from Federal LECFTF (B)
Explanation
The Gainesville Police Department is committed to the reduction of drug crimes and crimes associated with drug activity in the City of Gainesville. Visible drug activity decreases the quality of life in our neighborhoods, and the effects of drugs on citizens are far-reaching. GPD recommends creating and funding a Comprehensive Drug Plan which is a multi-faceted approach to drug problems that will address prevention, education, treatment, and enforcement issues.
This plan covers a 14-month period beginning July 1, 2003. The primary goal of the GPD Comprehensive Drug Plan is the reduction of visible drug activity in neighborhoods throughout the City of Gainesville. The reduction of illegal drug activity will improve the quality of life for the citizens of Gainesville. Secondary goals are to foster and further develop community partnerships that reduce drug demand and treat identified drug offenders. Illegal drug dealing will be targeted at all levels.
As part of the GPD Comprehensive Drug Plan, enforcement will only be successful if it is backed up by prevention, education, and treatment efforts. While the majority of dollars spent in this initiative are funneled toward enforcement, out of necessity and the costs involved, the Gainesville Police Department will utilize extensive partnerships to leverage dollars and efforts in this arena. GPD does not have the expertise nor the resources to provide treatment. Therefore, these partnerships will be critical to the success of the Drug Plan.
In order to maximize the effectiveness of the enforcement portion of the Drug Plan, specialized training will be conducted for the officers working the enforcement assignments. Officers will receive training in Search & Seizure, proper enforcement methods, community interaction, and other topics. The use of trained officers will ensure the safety of citi...
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