Kansas Releases Strategic Plan to Combat Methamphetamine

Press Release

To reduce the production, distribution, and use of methamphetamine in the state, Governor Parkinson and the Kansas Task Force Addressing Methamphetamine and Illegal Drugs announced the development of a state strategic plan to address methamphetamine. The strategic plan outlines important goals that will better position local law enforcement to respond to methamphetamine manufacturing and importation, as well as increase prevention services and improve access to methamphetamine treatment.

"The success of our families and our communities depends heavily upon our ability to provide a safe and secure environment," said Governor Mark Parkinson. "Reducing the availability and ultimately, the usage of drugs is one of the best investments our state can make for our future. I am pleased to see the task force working with law enforcement officials to tackle this issue."

Key goals of the Kansas strategic plan include:

* increasing access to data related to meth, including improving the accuracy of meth seizure and laboratory incident data reported by law enforcement;
* securing funding to enhance the efforts of law enforcement, treatment and prevention;
* increasing access to treatment for individuals abusing or dependent on meth by promoting the implementation of drug courts in rural communities;
* increasing public awareness and professional knowledge about meth;
* promoting public policies to reduce meth manufacturing; and
* increasing community capacity to respond to the needs of Drug Endangered Children.

"As a judge and as Attorney General, I have seen first-hand the devastating and far-reaching effects drugs have on not only the individual, but also their family," said Attorney General Steve Six. "In order to keep Kansans safe, it is imperative that we provide local law enforcement the necessary tools to reduce the prevalence of illegal drugs in our state, and with this new strategic plan, the State of Kansas is doing just that."

Kansas was one of seven states selected to participate in the Rural Law Enforcement Methamphetamine Initiative (RLEMI) launched by the Bureau of Justice Assistance, U.S. Department of Justice. As part of its participation in the RLEMI, Kansas will develop and implement a comprehensive strategic plan to assist rural law enforcement in addressing methamphetamine. The State Methamphetamine Coordinator, Kansas Task Force Addressing Methamphetamine and Illegal Drugs, and partner agencies will implement action steps identified in the strategic plan. This initiative is funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and implemented through the direction of Strategic Applications International.

The Kansas Task Force Addressing Methamphetamine and Illegal Drugs was convened by the Kansas Criminal Justice Coordinating Council and is comprised of representatives from state agencies and local law enforcement.

The full text of the Kansas strategic plan can be viewed at: www.accesskansas.org/kbi/de/formspublications.shtml

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