Press Release
National Association of Counties
440 First St., NW, Washington, D.C. 20001-2080
www.naco.org
July 5, 2005
Nearly 60 Percent of Counties Report Meth as Largest Drug Problem
Officials surveyed indicate increases of more than 85 percent in meth-related arrests starting three years ago
Washington, D.C. –Nearly 60 percent of county officials reported that methamphetamine is the largest drug problem in their county according to a new survey released today by the National Association of Counties (NACo). The survey, “The Criminal Effect of Meth on Communities,” was designed to determine the impact of meth on county law enforcement agencies. NACo released an additional survey, “The Impact of Meth on Children.”
Of the responding law enforcement agencies, 87 percent report increases in meth related arrests starting three years ago. Fifty percent of the counties surveyed estimated that 1 in 5 of their current jail inmates were housed because of meth related crimes. Seventeen percent of the counties indicate that more than half of their jail populations are incarcerated because of meth related crimes.
“County governments across America are on the front lines in responding to the methamphetamine crisis,” said NACo President and Lake County, Ill. Board Member Angelo D. Kyle. “For counties, meth abuse causes legal, medical, environmental and social problems.”
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photos by Allison Mall
NACo President Angelo Kyle (top) and NACo President-elect Bill Hansell report on the results of NACo's Meth Epidemic in America survey, July 5 at a news conference in Washington, D.C.
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According to the survey, other crimes are increasing as a result of meth. Seventy percent of the responding officials say that robberies or burglaries have increased because of meth use, while 62 percent report increases in domestic violence.
“The primary objective of my presidential initiative on meth is to promote action by Congress and the Administration to control and reduce the production, distribution and abuse of methamphetamine, including assistance to counties in responding to the problem locally,” said NACo President-Elect and Umatilla County, Ore. Commissioner Bill Hansell.
The second survey found that meth is a major cause of child abuse and neglect. Forty percent of all child welfare officials report increased out of home placements because of meth in the last year. During the past five years, 71 percent of the responding counties in California reported an increase in out of home placements because of meth and 70 percent of counties in Colorado reported an increase over the same time period.
County child welfare officials were asked if the particular nature of the meth user parent has increased the difficulty of family reunification and 59 percent said yes.
The surveys were conducted by Research, Inc. of Washington, D.C. Results from 500 counties from 45 states comprise the survey, “The Criminal Effect of Meth on Communities.” The results of the survey, “The Impact of Meth on Children,” are based on responses from 303 counties from all 13 states where child welfare activities are performed at the county level.
For complete copies of the survey, please call Jeremy Ratner at 202/942-4220 or 202-306-2522 or e- mail jratner@naco.org.
The National Association of Counties (NACo) is a full-service organization that provides legislative, research, technical and public affairs assistance to county governments. Created in 1935, NACo continues to ensure that the nation’s 3,066 counties are heard and understood in the White House and Congress.
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