Do you suspect illegal drug activity in your neighborhood?
How can you confidentially report information that can help the police?
The State's, Sheriff's, Chief's Enforcement Narcotics Team (S.S.C.E.N.T.) and your local police and prosecutors need the help of citizens to report suspicious activity that may be drug related. Only the people living in the neighborhood know when strangers are on their streets. If you think there may be drug trafficking in your community, the following tips provided by area Police Departments can be used to gather information.
When you see suspected drug activity, get as much information as possible. Try to be as specific as possible. Information about what you have observed yourself is the most valuable. Word-of-mouth or indirect information can and should be reported but it is often considered to be hearsay or second-hand knowledge, especially if reported by an anonymous caller.
In calling to report suspected drug activity, try to provide as much of the following information as possible:
- Street name, house number and description of the house where there is suspected drug activity.
- BE SPECIFIC!
- Doors used by customers.
- Property owner's name.
- Busiest time of the day that activity is observed, as well as the busiest day of the week.
- Type of drugs being sold.
- Do you know where the dealer and/or customer works, the description of their vehicles and license numbers?
Remember – A telephone call to the police will not generate a raid. Immediate action is very tempting. It is far better, however, to put together a prosecutable case that will put the dealer in prison rather than out of business for a few days or often just a few hours.
It can take weeks or longer to get the necessary evidence for a search warrant or arrest. Please have patience. You can help by calling SSCENT at 1-800-994-TIPS (800-994-8477) or Mason-Oceana 911 Center @ 231-869-5858.
To report suspected drug activity on-line simply complete the form below and submit.
