The Meth Grant

On July 15, 1998, Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) office invited the Little Rock Police Department (LRPD) to participate in the Methamphetamine Initiative Program. A committee was immediately created consisting of members from various entities of city government and the Pulaski County Sheriffs Office. This committee began the formulation of the application, proposed strategies and a budget essential in the implementation of the project. The committee met several times and conducted multiple conference calls with members of the COPS office and designed a program acceptable by all entities involved.

On December 20, 1998, the Little Rock Police Department received written notification that the application/proposal was approved and that $750,000 was available for the project. The Department feels that the additional funds will enhance Little Rock’s ability to reduce the use of Methamphetamine and to enforce state and federal laws surrounding the use and distribution of the drug and the chemicals used to make it.

Little Rock will make an assertive effort to ensure the community a safe environment free of Methamphetamine users by establishing programs to educate the public about the hazards of the drug, the chemicals involved, the identity of potential users, their distribution points and the treatment and prevention programs available. Law enforcement personnel will be trained in these areas, as well as in safety techniques regarding the proper handling of the chemicals used to make this drug. Community Oriented Policing, Crime Prevention and Narcotics will be utilized to present drug awareness programs and distribute up to date information about the use of Methamphetamine in our community. A Methamphetamine hotline has been established for the confidential reporting of information relating to manufacturing and distribution of Methamphetamine. Community Oriented Policing and Narcotics Investigations personnel will target areas where drug trafficking is known to exist, collect intelligence and work with other departments within the city to rid the community of these problems. The city will employ a project coordinator/analyst who will collect data concerning all facets of the operation, distribute data to law enforcement and allow analysts to develop more detailed crime statistics that may indicate a trend affecting several jurisdictions.

The City of Little Rock will also assist in obtaining and facilitating treatment for offenders, whenever circumstances allow. Personnel will become familiar with available treatment and will assist in educating the public about available treatment centers. Existing treatment programs will be expanded and strengthened for this project. Officers will work closely with community programs and judges to ensure that eligible offenders are given the opportunity to receive treatment.

This project will allow the City of little Rock to implement a more effective broad based plan to prevent a rise in Methamphetamine use before it becomes a major problem and adversely affects the well-being of the community as a whole.

"Ice" a street term referring to the appearance (chunk) of the Meth. It is also commonly referred to as Crystal Meth, Crystal, Crank, Speed or Glass.

The effects are different based on the amount of the drug taken. Some effects can be nasal damage, irritated skin, sores and itchiness, rapid breathing and higher blood pressure, sweating and nausea. When the drug begins to wear off users frequently sleep several days. Users may experience convulsing in various parts of the body (face, neck, arms and hands). Loss of appetite and severe weight loss may occur.