County Launches Drug Enforcement Task Force, Other Measures

From Potter County Today

Training activities are scheduled for two dates in August to prepare for the launch of the new Potter County Drug Enforcement Task Force. District Attorney Andy Watson is working with a core group of local law enforcement officers and the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office to develop the local task force. State funds will cover expenses. Work of the task force will complement ongoing drug investigations.

Officials are especially concerned about the drug abuse problem among the county’s youth and young adults. Studies show that there is a growing epidemic of prescription drug trafficking, as well as abuse of other controlled substances. Law enforcement is just one aspect of the county’s response to the drug problem. Potter County Human Services (PCHS) has been working with local school districts in support of programs geared toward early intervention to help students who demonstrate signs of drug abuse. District Attorney Watson, in conjunction with the Attorney General’s Office, is planning to visit each of Potter County’s schools in September to address these issues. He has also been appointed to the PCHS Advisory Board.

Additionally, PCHS is working with other county agencies and Dickinson Mental Health Center on programs to help prepare Potter County Jail inmates who have been diagnosed as addicts to adjust for re-entry into society.

Article courtesy of the Potter County Commissioners.