Law Enforcement Resources

“We sleep safe in our beds because rough men stand ready in the night to bring violence to those who would do us harm.”

Although many years have passed since the words were uttered by Orson Wells, nothing could be more accurate today. The difference between then and now is that the times have changed. For better or worse, the game is different.

Rather than crashing a door and arresting a suspect, you now have to pause at the door. You must ask yourselves what might be on the other side. At best, it might be just what you’re expecting to find. Worse, you may find yourselves in a chemical nightmare. A dream, which if handled incorrectly, could have impact on the rest of your life.

As the age of Methamphetamine has swept across the country, so have the lessons of those who have gone before. While dangerous in and of itself, meth is only part of the problem. The labs where the drug is manufactured present dangers that go beyond the knife or gun.

Like never before, task forces aimed at combating the national drug abuse problem have become of paramount importance due to the often transient and evasive nature of the meth distributor. The paranoia and nervousness of the meth cook has necessitated the need for creativity in relation to investigative strategies.

Enforcement strategies too have evolved. Combined efforts involving multiple agencies and disciplines have generated cooperative efforts among law enforcement, fire, hazmat, and citizen groups.

Gone are the days of reliance on “on the job” training. Certifications must now be obtained by both officers in the field, and those who supervise the day to day operations of the people putting their lives on the line.

Narrowing the focus, law enforcement is now responsible for responding to and dismantling the potentially deadly labs where meth is produced. Meth lab response has re-written the rules of evidence collection and hazardous waste disposal. State and Federal Environmental agencies have become involved with determining the need for site cleanup, work standards, precautionary measures, and re-habitation of lab sites. By default, it has become necessary for law enforcement to develop policies governing officer safety and adherence to regulatory compliance.