BY MARK J. CRAWFORD
Telegraph Editor
STARKE — When he was running for reelection, Starke Police Chief Jeff Johnson was open about the need to fight the city’s narcotics problem.
During that time and since, officers and investigators have made their fight high profile, regularly announcing the results of an early morning raid or an unexpected bust resulting from a traffic stop.
Johnson said using social media like Facebook keeps the public informed about what is going on, and it allows them to counter misinformation that might be spread through other pages. It can sometimes open them up to criticism, but often their efforts result in praise. Having a tap on the flow of information is also crucial to protecting officer safety.
“We try to release it and let the people know what we’re doing and how we’re trying to try to curb this narcotic problems, especially the meth and the fentanyl. Meth and fentanyl is really out of control right now,” Johnson said.
Methamphetamine is a highly addictive stimulant than can be eaten, snorted, injected or smoked. Euphoric feelings can quickly turn into edgy, overexcited, angry and fearful behavior.
Fentanyl is a powerful and very addictive pain medication with effects comparable to heroin. According to the CDC, abuse of the medication has led to an overdose epidemic. Like meth, much of the harm results from illegally made fentanyl sold illegally by drug dealers.
The CDC says more than 36,000 people died from synthetic opioid use in 2019, which was 12 times higher than the number of deaths in 2013.
This is what law enforcement agencies are up against across the country, and unfortunately the same is true in Starke and Bradford County. The drugs are ruining lives.
It’s not that there is a high amount of drug production here, but Johnson said U.S. 301 and State Road 100 are funnels through which the drugs penetrate the community. Traveling between larger destinations, he said dealers drop their dope off along the way.
“I don’t know. I hope we’re making a difference, but sometimes it just don’t feel like it,” Johnson said.
Fortunately, Starke Police Department isn’t alone in the fight. Johnson said he admires the work his officers do, and just as much he appreciates the information and cooperation they receive from citizens. Those living in a neighborhood know best when people are coming and going, and at what hours, and they share that information.
“The citizens help us out tremendously, because if they see something, they say something,” he said. “Citizens are going to see way more than we are.”
While they can be stretched thin and have to prioritize where to be at a given time, the input they receive helps them focus their attention where it is needed.
“My guys are doing an outstanding job, and I appreciate the public being aware of that,” Johnson added.
