Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 10-25-2012PUBLIC fAFETV COORDINATING COUNCIL Minutes of Meeting October 25, 2012 Conveneds 3:35 p.m. u Adjourneds 4:21 p.m. CALL TO ORDER Commissioner Mowery called the meeting to order at 3:35 P.M. in Conference Room # 3, 2300 Virginia Avenue, Fort Pierce, Florida. ROLL CALL Roll call was taken. Members Presents Members Absents Others Presents Commissioner Tod Mowery Mark Traum for Chief Judge Steve Levin, Wh Circuit Judge Philip J. Vacucci,19th Circuit Suzanne Caudell, CORE Program Major Pat Tighe, SLSO John Romano, New Horizons Bruce Colton, State Attorney Justine Patterson, Florida Department of Corrections Ken Mascara, Sheriff of 51-C Diamond Litty, Public Defender Janet Collins, Bail Association Mark Godwin, SLC Criminal Justice Coordinator Ethel Rowland, Taxpayer Broderick Underwood, CJIS Analyst Allison Duffy, 51-C Drug Lab Scott Harloff, CORE Program Trevor Morganti, SLSO Frank Irby, Okeechobee Commissioner APPROVAL OF MINUTEfs The minutes from September 27, 2012 were unanimously approved. Public Safety Coordinating Council October 25, "12 Page 2 UPDATE by SLC SherrifPs Office- Major Tighe on behalf of Sheriff Mascaras Major Tighe reported the inmate population at 1175, which included 79 Federal Inmates. Commissioner Mowery asked our guest Commissioner Frank Irby, from Okeechobee County if he ever attended the graduations at the St. Lucie County jail. Commissioner Irby replied that he has attended the Drug Court graduations, but did not know about the program graduations at the jail. Major Tighe gave the stats of the general population recidivism rate which is 33% and for those who are enrolled in the Substance Abuse, GED, and Spiritual is 15% and the Culinary Program has 7 percent recidivism. Major Tighe read a thank you letter from someone who attended the journey Forward program, and was able to get her life back on track and beat her addiction. Major Tighe updated the group about the prescription pill epidemic which has shown reported deaths to be down. The county and local governments were able to get a handle on it and now the use of methamphetamine labs have become a problem in the county. He provided a handout from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) Info Facts about Meth and another article by Joe Hornaday. Major Tighe explained that Meth is the most addictive drug and Meth users have about a 94 percent recidivism rate meaning only about 6 percent will ever be free from the drug once they start. He indicated that Heroine is also on the horizon. Major Tighe said once people are brought to jail, and eventually get out, they will return to jail and as a result of the addiction. The inmates become sicker each time and even die in jail. Major Tighe received notification that the State is proposing a change to legislation for inmates who have a year and a day or a year remaining on their prison sentence to finish it in the county jail. He has been contacted by the Florida Sheriff's Association to determine how the county jail will be impacted. Major Tighe said that the Florida League of Counties asked the same of Mark Godwin. The Major indicated the jail population may increase by at least Two Hundred, and it is estimated to cost six million a year if the Legislation passed. The inmate increase would also bring more medical expenses. Major Tighe informed the group on what some counties south of us are doing to combat the spice and bath salts from being back in stores. In the past the county worked with the Attorney General's Office, and was successful in changing the Statue so that the formula used for making the drugs were banned from being sold in the stores. The store owners were notified by the companies that a new formula would be used so it can be sold in the stores without being in violation of State Statue. The State Legislature may ban the new formula as well. Broward County has already passed an ordinance that does not allow spice or bath salts to be sold anywhere in the County. Palm Beach County is scheduled to hear it this Tuesday. A copy of Broward's ordinance was given to Commissioner Mowery and it will be scanned and emailed to the members of the Public Safety Coordinating Council. Commissioner Mowery asked if anything similar was being proposed for the Methamphetamine problem. Major Tighe spoke of a meeting recently with the Treasure Coast Drug Task Force and other law enforcement agencies as well as City and County Commission to collaborate on what can be done in the area. He advised they were in pre planning stages and would invite Commissioner Mowery to upcoming meetings Public Safety Coordinating Council October 25, 2012 Page 3 UPDATE by Criminal justice Coordinator- Marb Godwin Mark Godwin spoke of an email link from Tampa and an ABC affiliate that was sent to him by Major Tighe that aired an investigative report called, "If I die Young". A young lady was followed through the court system after being involved in a car accident and became addicted to prescription pain pills. The addiction took her life and so with permission from the executive producer Mr. Godwin will show a DVD to the individuals waiting outside the Drug Lab at the courthouse. The hope is to reach someone using drugs and help them realize the ultimate danger associated with addiction and possibly save a life. Allison Duffy is the Drug Lab Manager and she reported the Drug Lab was very busy which gives an indication drug use is steady, unfortunately. Ms. Duffy announced that the CORE Probation program is now on the hotline, so individuals in that program, are able to call the hotline and know when they are required to report for a drug test. Suzanne Caudell, Director of the CORE Program thanked Ms. Duffy for her hard work and commented how it has been wonderful working with her. Mark reviewed the Monthly Inmate Population report and noted that the month of October was not factored in because Public Safety fell a little early this month. He mentioned that the bookings are low at this time but will go back up and level off. Please see the attached report. Mr. Godwin revisited a topic he advised the group of last month regarding efforts made by the county to collect The Cost of Incarceration. Over three hundred thousand was ordered (in just seven court visits) by the Judges for the defendants to pay back the county at fifty dollars a day. He is not sure how much we will see paid back, however a civil lean is being imposed on those individuals to help ensure payment. St. Lucie County also has a collections court that can be utilized if need be. A visit to Judge Yacucci's court room is on the upcoming schedule. Mr. Godwin was happy to announce that the County has opened up the Landfill for Community Service work. Juveniles and those who are on Felony Probation can serve their community service sentences and be covered as an employee of the state under workers compensation. The program has the capability of taking twenty five individuals a day to work at the landfill. Safety gear is provided, and it is educational for those assigned to such work to learn about the recycling process. Mr. Godwin was informed by the Landfill Director that for every eight hours a community service worker is serving, it saves the County One Hundred dollars. It is also a benefit when it comes to cost savings at the Juvenile Detention Center. Judge Levin ordered someone from Juvenile Drug Court to report to the landfill instead of spending another day at the Detention Center. The Landfill uses technology for individuals to register to work by using their thumb print. Commissioner Mowery gave an overview on the recycling process and how we actually benefit from selling the metal. He also noted we are the only county using the resources and making the landfill productive. Mr. Godwin continued his report and informed the group that the Pretrial Program was doing well and Lisa Savage, Program Manager was busy making sure they would be prepared in Public Safety Coordinating Council October 25, 2012 Page 4 the event that Hurricane Sandy poses any problem. Mark reported that Pretrial Staff made approximately nine thousand home visits this past fiscal year which equates to roughly twenty five contacts a day. The Pretrial staff works 365 days a year through nights, weekends, and holidays to ensure the Judges who use the Program can rest easy knowing that the individuals on ankle bracelets are being monitored 24/7 via satellite as well. Having individuals on CPS benefits the county by eliminating the burden of medical costs. As long as an individual is in jail the county is responsible for all medical costs. JUDICIAL UPDATE Judge Vacucci informed the group that Chief Judge Levin sent an email out just before Public Safety was scheduled to meet advising that the courthouses would be open Friday, October 25, 2012. He did not anticipate any problems with Tropical Storm Sandy passing through. Judge Vacucci did provide a hotline if anyone needed it. Judge Vacucci said that Pretrial is running great like Mark said. The Judge is trying to anticipate when it comes to medical situations by using help questions to determine if someone he is going to sentence has an upcoming scheduled surgery. If a situation arises like that he can keep them on probation as a condition of probation until after their surgery and then they start their sentence. This would help keep medical costs down for the county. OLD BUSINESS None NEW BUSINESS Okeechobee Commissioner Frank Irby remarked that he learned some things and took notes and will request more information from Mark Godwin regarding the ankle bracelet (GPS) for Okeechobee County. He would like to attend future meetings and bring someone from their Sheriff's Office. Mr. Godwin explained the Public Safety Coordinating Council for a consortium of two or more counties shall consist of certain members appointed with the approval of each BOCC within the consortium. Members discussed a number of different ideas that would benefit the four counties becoming a region, and expanding together to help enhance what is already in place. Commissioner Mowery suggested that the current members take time and think about expanding and becoming a much larger group or keep the members as is and invite guests to attend the meetings. Commissioner Mowery also suggested feedback to be given to Mark Godwin and Public Safety Coordinating Council October 25, 2012 Page 5 maybe have a few people meet and exchange ideas and the makeup of the group and maybe add some elements from there. Ethel Rowland, citizen, distributed a handout: DC Circuit Orders Supplemental Briefing in Landmark Federal Medical Marijuana Case. There was a brief discussion on the topic. Please see attached. ADJOURNMENT: Commissioner Mowery adjourned the meeting at 4:21 p.m. Submitted by, Carlene Busse THE NEXT MEETING WILL BE HELD January 31, 2013 on Methomphetamine is a central nervous system stimulant drug that is similar in structure to amphetamine. Due to its high potential for abuse, methamphetamine is classified as a Schedule II drug and is available only through a prescription that cannot be refilled. Although methomphetamine can be prescribed by a doctor, its medical uses are limited, and the doses that are prescribed are much lower than those typically abused. Most of the methamphetamine abused in this country comes from foreign or domestic superlabs, although it can also be made in small, illegal laboratories, where its production endangers the people in the labs, neighbors, and the environment. Methamphetamine is a white, odorless, bitter -tasting crystalline powder that easily dissolves in water or alcohol and is taken orally, infronasally (snorting the powder), by needle injection, or by smoking. of Health Y U.S. Department of Hearth & Human Affect the Brain? Methomphetamine increases the release and blocks the reuptake of the brain chemical (or neurotransmitter) dopamine, leading to high levels of the chemical in the brain —a common mechanism of action for most drugs of abuse. Dopamine is involved in rowardF motivation,,:; the experience of pleasure, and motor function. Methamphetamine's ability to release dopamine rapidly in reward regions of the . brain produces the intense euphoria, or "rush," that many users feel after snorting, smoking, or injecting the drug. Chronic methomphetamine abuse significantly changes how the brain functions. Noninvasive human brain imaging studies have shown alterations in the activity of the dopamine. . system that are associated with reduced motor skills and impaired verbal learning.' Recent studies in chronic methamphetamine abusers have also revealed severestructural and functional changes in areas of the brain associated with emotion and memory,2,3 which may account for many of the emotional and cognitive problems observed in chronic methamphetamine abusers. Updated March 2010 a Repeated mp- �efgmine abuse can also lead to addiction --a chronic, relapsing disease characterized by compulsive drug seekinaaand use, which is accompanied by chemical and molecular chant es in the bLgf.R. Some of these changes persist long after methamphetamine abuse is stopped. Reversal of some of the changes, however, �y be observed after sustained periods of obstinence fe.q, more than 1. year ." What Other Adverse Effects Does Methati phetalrnine Have on Health? Taking even small amounts of methamphetamine can result in many of the same physical effects as those of other stimulants, such as cocaine or amphetamines, including increased wakefulness, increased physical activity, decreased appetite, increased respiration, rapid heart rate, irregular heartbeat, increased blood pressure, and hyperthermia. Long-term methamphetamineobuse has many negative health conse ueym noes, including extreme weight ions, severe dental problems ("meth mouth"�, onn xiety, confusion, insomnia, mood disturbances, and violent behavior. Chronic methamphetamine abusers can also display a number of psychotic features, including paranoia, visual'and auditory hallucinations, and delusions (for example, the sensation of insects crawling under the skin). `o Transmission of HIV and hepatitis B and C can be consequences of methamphetamine abuse. The intoxicating effects of methamphetamine, regardless of how it is taken, can also alter judgment and inhibition and can lead people to engage in unsafe behaviors, including risky sexual behavior. Among abusers who inject the drug, HIV/ AIDS and other infectious diseases can be spread through contaminated needles, syringes, and other injection equipment that is used by more than one person. Methamphetamtne abuse may also worsen the progression of HIV/AIDS and its consequences. Studies of methamphetamine abusers who are HIV -positive indicate that HIV causes greater neuronal injury and cognitive impairment for individuals in this group compared with HIV -positive people who do not use the drug.'-" What Treatment Options Exist? Currently, the most effective treatments for methamphetamine addiction are comprehensive cognitive -behavioral interventions. For example, the Matrix Updated March 2010 Page 2 of 4 Model —a behavioral treatment approach that combines behavioral therapy, family education, individual counseling, 12-step support, drug testing, and encouragement for nondrug-related activities —has been shown to be effective in reducing methamphetamine abuse.? Contingency management interventions, which provide tangible incentives in exchange for engaging in treatment and maintaining abstinence, have also been shown to be effective.' There are no medications at this time approved to treat methomphetamine addiction; however, this is an active area of research for NIDA. Hove 'widespread Is Methamphetamine Abuse? Monitoring the Future Surveyt Methamphetamine use among teens appears to have dropped significantly in recent years, according to data revealed by the 2009 Monitoring the Future survey. The number of high-school seniors reporting past -yearn use is now only at 1 .2 percent, which is the lowest since questions about methomphetamine were added to the survey in 1999; at that time, it was reported at 4.7 percent. Lifetime use among 8th-graders was reported of 1.6 percent in 2009, down significantly from 2.3 percent in 2008. In addition, the proportion of 1 Oth-graders reporting that crystal methamphetamine was easy to obtain has dropped to 14 percent, down from 19.5 percent 5 years ago. National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH)ttt According to the 2008 National Survey -on Drug Use and Health, the number_pf,post- month methomphetamine users age 12 and older decreased by over half between 2006 and 2008. Current (past -month) users were 1 :: numbered at 731,000 in 2006, 529,000 in 2007, and 314,000 in 2008. Significant declines from 2002 and 2008 also were noted for lifetime and past -year use in this age group. From 2002 to 2008, past -month use of methamphetamine declined significantly among youths aged 12 to 1.7, from 0.3 percent to 0.1 percent, and young adults aged 18 to 25 also reported significant . declines in past -month use, from 0.6 percent.... in 2002 to 0.2 percent in 2008. Updated March 2010 Page 3 of 4 For more information on the effects of methamphetamine abuse and addiction, visit v^~ drugabuse.gov/ drugpages/methamphetamine.html. To find publicly funded treatment facilities by state, visit www findtreatment. samhso.gov. For street terms searchable by drug name, cost and quantities, drug trade, and drug use, visit wwwwhitehousedrugpolicy. gov/streetterms/defoult.asp. Data Sources IThese data ore from the 2009 Monitoring the Future survey, funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, and conducted annually by The University of Michigan's Institute for Social Research. The survey has tracked 12th-graders' illicit drug use and related attitudes since 1975; in 1991, 8th- and 1 Oth graders were added to the study. Questions about crystal methamphatamine were added to the 12th-grade and followup surveys in 1990, and questions about methomphetomme were added to the study for all three grades in 1999. The latest data are on line at www.dmgubuse.gov. it "Lifetime` refers to use at least once during a respondent's lifetime. "Past year' refers to use at least once during the year preceding an individual's response to the survey. "Past month" refers to use at least once during the 30 days preceding an individual's response to the survey. ttt NSDUH (formerly known as the National Household Survey on Drug Abuse) is an annual survey of Americans aged 12 and older conducted by the Substance Abuse and Menial Health Services Administration, Department of Health and Human Services. This survey is available on line at www.sumhsa.gov and can be ordered by phone from NIDA of 877-643-2644. References Volkow ND, Chang L, Wang GJ, at al. Association of dopamine transporter reduction with psychomotor impairment in methamphetamine abusers. Am Psychiatry 158(3):377-382, 2001. z London ED, Simon SL, Berman SM, et al. Mood disturbances and regional cerebral metabolic abnormalities in recently abstinent methamphetamine abusers. Arch Gen Psychiatry 61(1):73-84, 2004. 'Thompson PM, Hayashi KM, Simon SL, at al. Structural abnormalities in the brains of human subjects who use methamphetamine. J Neurosci 24(261:6028-6036, 2004, ° Wang GJ, Volkow ND, Chang L, et al. Partial recovery of brain metabolism in methamphetamine abusers after protracted abstinence, Am J Psychiatry 161(2):242-248, 2004. 5Chang L, Ernst 7 Speck O, Grob CS. Additive effects of HIV and chronic methamphetamine use on brain metabolite abnormalities. Am J Psychiatry 162(2):361-369, 2005. Rippeth JD, Heaton RK, Carey CL, et al. Methamphetamine dependence increases risk of neuropsychological impairment in HIV infected persons. J Int Neuropsyehol See 10(ll:1-14, 2004. 1 Rawson RA, Marinelli -Casey P, Anglin MD, at al. A multi -site comparison of psychosocial approaches for the treatment of methamphetamine dependence. Addiction 99(6):708-717, 2004. 9 Roll JM, Petry NM, Stitzer ML, et al. Contingency management for the treatment of methamphetamine use disorders. Am J Psychiatry 163(11):1993-1999, 2006. Updated March 2010 Page 4 of 4 From Americans for Safe Access blog, Medical Cannabis: Voices from the Front Lines http://safeaccessnow.org/blog/blo g/2012/10/17/dc-circuit-orders-supplemental-briefing-in-federal- landmark-medical-marij uana-case/#more-3269 DC Circuit Orders Supplemental Briefing in Landmark Federal Medical Marijuana Case October 17th, 2012 Posted by Joe Elford Just hours after the U.S. Court of Appeal for the D.C. Circuit heard oral arguments in the federal landmark case Americans for Safe Access a Drug BnforcementAdministration, the court ordered supplemental briefing on the issue of "standing." In a rare move for a case that has been covered by the Associated Press, Reuters, CNN, Bloomberg News, Los Angeles Times, San Francisco Chronicle, Huffington Post, and others, the request for additional briefing indicates that the court is taking the issue of medical marijuana very seriously. Yesterday's order asks the petitioners to provide the court with details about how plaintiff Michael Krawitz, a U.S. Air Force veteran, sustained harm as a result of the federal government's refusal to recognize the therapeutic value of marijuana. During yesterday's oral arguments, Americans for Safe Access (ASA) Chief Counsel Joe Elford argued that Krawitz had been denied medical set -vices and treatment from Veterans Administration physicians because of his status as a medical marijuana patient. Specifically, the court ordered ASA to file a brief not to exceed five pages in order to "clarify and amplify the assertions made [by] Michael Krawitz regarding his individual standing," and "more fully explain precisely the nature of the injury that gives him standing." The brief is due by Monday. If ASA can reasonably show that Krawitz has been harmed by a federal policy that holds marijuana has no medical value, the country's largest medical marijuana advocacy group may also get the court to rule on the merits of the case — whether the scientific evidence of medical efficacy is ample enough to reclassify marijuana from its current status as a Schedule I substance. We remain hopeful that the science on medical marijuana will prevail over politics in order to overcome the decades -long effort by the federal government to keep marijuana out of the reach of millions of Americans who would benefit from its use. St. Lucie County Criminal Justice System — 2009 - _ ---=-• 2010 —.2011 2012 1450 --- Average 1350 1250 1254 - 1150 262- �1205 4� � -�1220 1212 `''� =T9.�t- 1209 E'1175 1203 .�,- F a�1171"" 1172 - 1160 64 1167 1050 � 1101.__ .� 1068 1086 1127 - 950 —r---r--� � Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Through 10/23/2012 1600 2009 -2010 —2011 =a= 2012 1400 Bookies,__ 1200 1000 ® 1051 800 ' B66�9'18 ;�g 971q 6 �915 811 �o 600 685 400 - — — 200 o- Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Joe Hornaday The enduring effort of the Indiana State Police to eliminate the meth problem that plagues Greensburg and Decatur County took another step on Tuesday. Indiana State Police Tpr. Chip Ayers of the ISP's Clandestine Laboratory Team led representatives of the county's hotel and hospitality industry on a methamphetamine- related course at the Hampton Inn and Suites this week, with a focus on how to recognize meth use. Very often, manufacturers of meth, or "meth cooks," utilize hotel rooms to hide their operations and sell the drug. To curb that trend, Tpr. Ayers and Tpr. Jeremy Franklin of the Connersville ISP District spearheaded the seminar. According to Ayers, maintenance and housekeeping employees at hotels are likely to be the first to see the suspicious things happening in the rooms. However, the world of meth manufacturing is always changing and evolving. "There isn't a lab that goes by that there isn't something different," Ayers explained. Keeping the hospitality industry up-to-date on how to identify meth provides more eyes on the problem for the ISP, Ayers added. It also keeps hotel employees and others safe. One of the biggest problems with methamphetamines is that the materials to make them are readily available at local shops, stores and pharmacies. Despite its prevalence, vigilant observers should be able to notice when a potential meth lab or meth user is on the way or checking in. Signs of meth use include: dilated pupils; weight loss; twitchiness; sweating; body odor; bad teeth; scars; sores; and "crank bugs," or blemishes on the skin caused by significant meth use. In a room or building where meth is being manufactured, some items will always be . present. Lithium is a key ingredient that is most commonly found in high-performance batteries. To get to the lithium inside the batteries, the outer casing must be ripped, which means tools like pliers will be nearby alongside the lithium strips. Coffee filters to filter the drug and makeshift funnels will also likely be present. Soda containers will be. around, and may contain hydrochloric acid gas. Those dangerous containers are problematic for law enforcement because meth users often dispose of them by placing them in residential garbage cans or by tossing them out of car windows into neighborhoods, where children could stumble upon them. Ayers and Franklin encouraged the class to also be aware of strange odors like ammonia, solvents or aromatic sweet smells. Fans will likely be placed near the meth lab windows to ventilate and wet towels will be used around doors to keep the odors from leaking out. Dismantled fire alarms, damage and etching around sinks or tubs, large amounts of chemicals and bottles or jars, blacked out windows to prevent light from getting in and elaborate fencing with heavy duty locks are possible signs of a working meth lab. Stained coffee filters, empty battery casings, light bulbs with the filament removed and crumpled or burnt foil also are indicators of a meth lab. The foil is used to hold the crystal meth while it is burned from underneath and then inhaled through a straw or pen casing. Once cooked, meth will normally appear white or off-white, but can be tan or yellow depending on how it is made. It will almost appear to have tiny shards of glass in it with a sheen to the substance. Ayers and Franklin also provided statistics about the average meth maker to the group. The average meth cook will teach about 10 others how to make it every year, and every pound of meth produced leaves behind about five to six pounds of toxic waste that can cost up to $150,000 to clean up per site if the lab was big enough. Meth accounts for almost 90 percent of all drug cases in many Midwest communities, and meth -induced paranoia has led to increases in the numbers of murders and suicides. In 2009, about 1,350 meth labs were busted in the state of Indiana. The northeastern part of the state, along with the southwestern portion and counties like Decatur, Ripley and Jennings, have experienced an explosion of meth labs and meth use in recent years. "This problem will knock on your door someday," Tpr. Ayers explained. "It will affect everyone." Meth works by affecting dopamine levels in the brain and affecting the "pleasure center." According to Ayers, it takes the human body about seven years to build up a full supply of dopamine. The first time meth is taken, it releases all of the brain's dopamine at once, making it the most addictive drug. Meth users have about a 94 percent recidivism rate, meaning only about 6 percent will ever be free from the drug once they start. While the ISP, the Greensburg Police Department and the Decatur County Sheriff s Department continue to battle the meth problem in Decatur County, they are encouraging everyone to xemain vigilant, watchful and safe. Indiana is one of the top three states in the country for meth production