Building Community Support for Law

Enforcement April 10-12, 2012

Walt Disney World Swan Resort

Accepted Learning Objectives: 1.  Outline drug abuse prevention and intervention

strategies relevant to all communities.

2.  Describe the creation and implementation of community education kits as an effective means of engaging multiple stakeholders.

3.  Explain opportunities for law enforcement officials to enlist community partners in developing education and prevention strategies.

Disclosure Statement

•  All presenters for this session, Officer Cully Desmond, Rebecca Heuser, Mike Mayer and Dan Smoot have disclosed no relevant, real or apparent personal or professional financial relationships

Why is community support important?

Operation UNITE Unlawful Narcotics Investigation Treatment and Education

•  Mission Statement:

Operation UNITE works to rid communities of illegal drug use through undercover narcotics investigations, coordinating treatment for substance abusers, providing support to families and friends of substance abusers, and educating the public about the dangers of using drugs.

UNITE Coalitions

•  The heartbeat of Operation UNITE is the 30 anti-drug community coalitions that work to implement education and treatment initiatives while supporting the investigative component.

•  Each entity retains its own identity, but all agree to help build a safe, and drug-free community.

1.  To raise awareness of current community issues

2.  To unite citizens and city officials

3.  To empower law enforcement agencies

Partnerships

Train the Trainer

•  To launch each kit’s campaign, Operation UNITE hosts “train the trainer” regional events

•  Events are open to the public, but strong community leaders are sought out

•  Each individual receives 1 kit to take and implement in their community

Each Kit Includes…

1. Facilitator Guide

–  Community outreach tools •  Pre & post tests •  Sign-in sheets •  Volunteer management guide

–  Timeline

–  Media campaign instructions

–  PowerPoint talking points

2. PowerPoint Presentation •  45 minutes – 1 hour long

•  Easy to give

•  Packed with videos of real-life stories

3. Outreach Materials

•  Media – Radio ads (.30 & 1 min)

– Video ads (.30 & 1 min)

– Print PSA’s

•  50 Brochures •  15 Posters

*Kits also include electronic copies of all materials

Accidental Dealer

Addicted: A Dose of Reality

Life with a Record

One Step Misery

Rally in the Capital Rotunda

•  How local community members assist law enforcement to help enact effective legislation.

UNITE works with local coalitions and law enforcement agencies to provide this free service to citizens.

The incinerators help families, rural law enforcement agencies, pharmacies, hospitals, veterinary clinics, nursing homes, Hospice centers and others dispose of medications.

Don’t forget… sometimes, we can become our own worst enemy