Statistics 251 –Examination One – Summer 2007
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The following story from the 18 July 2006 edition of the
Seattle Post-Intelligencer will provide a backdrop for the
entire exam. Please read this before proceeding with the
exam.
Tuesday, July 18, 2006 · Last updated 8:00 p.m. PT
Meth Still No. 1 Drug Problem, Study
Finds
By SAM HANANEL, ASSOCIATED PRESS WRITER
WASHINGTON -- Meth abuse continues to fuel an increase in
crimes like robbery and assault, straining the workload of local
police forces despite a drop in the number of meth lab seizures,
according to a survey Tuesday.
Nearly half of county law enforcement officials consider
methamphetamine their primary drug problem, more than
cocaine, marijuana and heroin combined, the survey of the National Association of Counties found.
"Abuse of this highly addictive brain-altering drug continues to destroy lives and strain essential county
services across America," said Bill Hansell, the association's president and commissioner of Umatilla
County, Ore.
The survey of 500 county law enforcement officials in 44 states showed that about half reported a decrease
in the number of meth lab busts as a result of laws that restrict the sale of cold medicines with precursor
ingredients used in the manufacture of meth.
That's consistent with federal figures released last month showing a 30 percent drop in the number of labs
seized nationwide. But county officials said supply of the drug remains high from superlabs in California
and Mexico.
About half the counties reported that one in five inmates are jailed because of meth-related crimes like
robberies and burglaries. Another 17 percent of counties reported that one in two inmates are incarcerated
for meth-related activity.
Hansell called on Congress to develop a comprehensive strategy to deal with the meth problem that
includes more funding for anti-drug task forces, drug prevention campaigns, treatment programs and
cleanup of toxic chemicals used to make meth.
Last month, the White House drug-policy office set a goal to cut meth use by 15 percent over the next three
years and increase seizures of meth labs by 25 percent.
Hansell also urged federal lawmakers to reject a Bush administration proposal to eliminate the Justice
Assistance Grant program, which funds drug task forces around the country. That call was echoed by local
law enforcement officials at a news conference to announce the survey.
"It makes absolutely no sense to fight a war on drugs, then reduce the funding when you're in the midst of
battle," said Oklahoma County Sheriff John Whetsel. About 1,000 of the 2,800 inmates in the Oklahoma
County jail are incarcerated for meth-related crimes, he said.
Statistics 251-Summer 2007 - Examination One
5 pages total
A pouch containing crystalized
methamphetamine and a homemade pipe are
shown March 21, 2006 in Window Rock, Ariz. A
survey says Meth abuse continues to fuel an
increase in crimes like robbery and assault. (AP
Photo/Matt York, FILE)
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