DATE: June 15, 2004
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBJECT: Focus on Female Methamphetamine Use
SUMMARY:
Overview:
Use of the intense stimulant methamphetamine is soaring in communities
across the nation. In many areas, explosive labs and ruthless dealers
have stretched resources dangerously thin. In San Diego County however,
problems associated with meth are holding relatively steady. Regional
law enforcement agencies report fewer seizures of toxic meth labs. Still,
the artificial stimulant remains the illicit drug-of-choice among lawbreakers
in the region, fueling crime, violence and disorder.
Since its inception in 1996, the County of San Diego Methamphetamine Strike Force has tackled meth-related community problems with measurable success. Recently, Strike Force officials have become concerned about the number of females using meth. In 2002, 37 percent of women arrested for crimes in San Diego County tested positive for meth at the time of their arrest.
There is a need to explore the dangerous bond between meth and women who enter the region's criminal justice system. By deepening our understanding of this particular drug, we can develop more calculated ways to lessen its historic chokehold on our region.
Approval of this item will authorize County staff to work with the Methamphetamine Strike Force to develop a Board-hosted conference on female meth use.
Recommendation
CHAIRWOMAN DIANNE JACOB AND DISTRICT ATTORNY BONNIE M. DUMANIS:
- Direct the Chief Administrative Officer to work with the Methamphetamine
Strike
Force to conduct a Board-hosted conference on female meth use.
Fiscal Impact
There is no fiscal impact associated with the proposal.
BACKGROUND
Use of the intense stimulant methamphetamine is soaring in communities
across the nation. In many areas, explosive labs and ruthless dealers
have stretched public safety resources dangerously thin. Unruly meth addicts,
many who are the parents of young children, are a drain on social service
resources.
In San Diego County however, problems associated with meth are holding relatively steady. Regional law enforcement agencies report fewer seizures of toxic meth labs and healthcare providers report that more users are seeking treatment to end their addictions. Without question, San Diego County has renounced its dubious title as the "Meth Capitol of the World." Still, the artificial stimulant remains the illicit drug-of-choice among lawbreakers in the region, fueling an inordinate amount of regional crime, violence and disorder.
Since its inception in 1996, the County of San Diego Methamphetamine Strike Force has tackled methamphetamine-related community problems with measurable success. Over the years, the Strike Force has worked to limit the sale of over-the-counter ingredients used to manufacture meth, expand the highly-successful Drug Court program and find stable funding for the Drug Endangered Children program, which aims to rescue children from dangerous drug homes. In addition, the regional Meth Hotline lets anonymous callers report suspicious activities or seek treatment referrals 24 hours a day.
Recently, Strike Force officials have become concerned about the number of females using meth. In 2002, 37 percent of women arrested for crimes in San Diego County tested positive for meth at the time of their arrest, according to the 2002 Arrestee Drug Abuse Monitoring report, the latest figures available. Similarly, anecdotal information from drug treatment facilities suggests that the physical and psychological effects of the drug may be particularly enticing to women.
As stated in the 2004 State of the County Address in February, there is a need to explore the dangerous bond between meth and women who enter the region's criminal justice system. By deepening our understanding of this particular drug, we can develop more calculated ways to lessen its historic chokehold on our region. Approval of this item will authorize County staff to work with the Methamphetamine Strike Force to develop a Board-hosted conference on female meth use.
Respectfully submitted,
DIANNE JACOB
Chairwoman
BONNIE M. DUMANIS
District Attorney
