About the Rural Law Enforcement Meth Initiative

Despite progress made to reduce clandestine drug labs through precursor chemical legislation and Mexico's restrictions on ephedrine, methamphetamine production, distribution, and use remains a widespread problem. Meth affects rural America in particular, taxing already limited and over-burdened law enforcement, treatment, and public health resources. In response to meth remaining the largest drug problem in most rural states, Strategic Applications International (SAI), in partnership with the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), U.S. Department of Justice, is launching the Rural Law Enforcement Methamphetamine Initiative.

Funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, this 2-year project will address the unique challenges of rural jurisdictions to:

  • Interdict illegal drugs and drug manufacturing/drug distribution networks in collaboration with local, tribal, state, and federal law enforcement agencies
  • Leverage other enforcement efforts such as homeland security, traffic safety, drug recognition program, human trafficking and border control in jurisdictions with limited resources
  • Provide access to effective prevention, treatment, and recovery services
  • Develop and implement gang reduction strategies related to drug trafficking for rural areas
  • Encourage partnerships at the local, state, and national levels to engage key stakeholders beyond the enforcement community to assist in the successful implementation of enforcement strategies

SAI will initiate the four-phase project by:

  1. Conducting on-site state assessments in seven rural states
  2. Hosting the National Rural Law Enforcement Methamphetamine Summit to mobilize rural states regarding best practices and intelligence-led policing approaches
  3. Developing and implementing state-specific action plans in seven rural states (which will include: the hiring and assignment of State Meth Coordinators to oversee the process and provide expert training and technical assistance; utilizing Methpedia.org as the Initiative website and clearinghouse; and conducting webinars and podcasts)
  4. Conducting an initiative evaluation (in partnership with Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation).

For additional information regarding the Rural Law Enforcement Methamphetamine Initiative, please contact James E. Copple, President, SAI, at jcopple@sai-dc.com , 301/455-0654.