NCJ Number
225228
Date Published
2001
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This chapter describes how the County of San Diego, CA put research into practice by using a comprehensive community approach to the problem of methamphetamine, known as ‘meth’.
Abstract
The Meth Strike Force is comprised of three focus teams: research, resource, and media. From 1996 to 2000, San Diego instituted a number of efforts to address meth production and use. The Strike Force certainly contributed to their implementation. Efforts focused on improving education, changing the criminal justice system response, passing legislation, enhancing community treatment, and conducting research. It is clear that the efforts of the Strike Force in San Diego County have had an impact by raising community awareness about meth, leveraging resources through interagency cooperation and attracting new methamphetamine-specific resources to the region. Through the efforts and accomplishments of the Strike Force, San Diego County learned a number of lessons that directly relate to core elements of its approach. The information in this chapter may be helpful for other communities that suspect an emerging meth problem. Important considerations for prevention, intervention, treatment, enforcement, and interdiction are discussed. Figures and references