Springfield one of five cities chosen for anti-drug program

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Springfield has been selected as one of five cities in the nation to participate in a federal anti-drug program that focuses on prevention rather than punishment.

The Integrated Drug Enforcement Assistance Program involves sending a federal agent to Springfield to work with civic leaders, law enforcement agencies, schools and faith-based organizations.

"We simply can't arrest our way out of the drug problem," said IDEA coordinator Pam Brown, a DEA special agent in Washington, D.C. "We want to work with the community to change the culture and introduce and implement some programs that have long-lasting impact."

The program focuses on building a community coalition, identifying local drug problems and developing a master plan to combat the problems.

Agents kicked off IDEA in January in Allentown, Pa.; North Charleston, S.C.; and Portsmouth, Va. Springfield and Prichard, Ala., were added last week.

Brown said once a coalition is established in Springfield, a two-day drug summit will be held to outline a strategic plan.

She said Springfield was chosen for the program because it "had all the ingredients," citing community support, a legitimate enforcement need and Congressional support.

Focused on meth

Maj. Steve Ijames, who oversees the Springfield Police Department's drug division, said its officers already know what drug causes the most problems in Springfield.

"Everything that is drug-focused in southwest Missouri continues to be meth-related," Ijames said.

Last year, Missouri closed down more meth labs than any other state, according to figures released by the Missouri Highway Patrol. The state seized 1,599 labs in 2001, inching past California -- which tallied 1,472 -- for the first time.

Several programs have been developed to reduce drug demand, including an after-school program for middle school children, mentor programs and an anti-drug media campaign.

"It's very new," said Linell Broecker, the DEA's senior preventive programs manager. "It's working because communities have identified things they want to do and are working to meet those objectives."

U.S. Rep. Roy Blunt said the program wouldn't be the ultimate solution to the city's drug problems -- but it could help.

"The city had local commitment, volunteer support ... I think it'd be very helpful," Blunt said. "We have a problem, though I don't think it's a problem out of proportion with other cities the size of Springfield."