How to Cope Living Near Drug Addicts
Keep track of criminal behavior., Report violent or serious crimes., Avoid confrontation with the drug addict., Organize a neighborhood watch.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Keep track of criminal behavior.
Mark down dates and times when potential criminal activity occurs in a journal or on your computer.
You don’t necessarily need to report their activity, unless they begin endangering themselves and others while they are using.
Public intoxication Drug dealing in the neighborhood Public drug use -
Step 2: Report violent or serious crimes.
If you witness the drug addict engaging in criminal activity, you should contact the police.
Even if you just suspect that a serious crime has occurred, it’s always better to protect yourself and your loved ones, by calling the police.
You can report the activity anonymously if you are concerned about retaliation from your neighbors.
Providing or selling drugs to minors Using or brandishing firearms Driving under the influence Public drug use or dealing, Do not allow the drug dealer to draw you into their situation.
Never physically or verbally fight with a user.
Drug users can have uncommon strength under the influence as well as lowered inhibitions, which makes fighting with them extremely dangerous.
Remove yourself from the situation, and contact emergency personnel immediately., If you know other neighbors who are concerned about the drug use in the area, ask them to be part of a neighborhood watch program.
The goals of this program should include keeping an eye out for any criminal behaviors, watching out for young residents of the community who may be at risk, and making sure the addicts do not damage or steal property in the neighborhood.
You are there to watch not to act.
Report observed criminal behavior to the proper authorities.
Depending on the number of people involved, schedule specific times to monitor.
This may be most important in the mornings and afternoons, when children are on their way to and from school, and in the evenings when the drug behavior is most likely to occur.
If you already have a crime watch in your neighborhood, contact them to make sure they’re aware of the drug situation, and offer to volunteer. -
Step 3: Avoid confrontation with the drug addict.
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Step 4: Organize a neighborhood watch.
Detailed Guide
Mark down dates and times when potential criminal activity occurs in a journal or on your computer.
You don’t necessarily need to report their activity, unless they begin endangering themselves and others while they are using.
Public intoxication Drug dealing in the neighborhood Public drug use
If you witness the drug addict engaging in criminal activity, you should contact the police.
Even if you just suspect that a serious crime has occurred, it’s always better to protect yourself and your loved ones, by calling the police.
You can report the activity anonymously if you are concerned about retaliation from your neighbors.
Providing or selling drugs to minors Using or brandishing firearms Driving under the influence Public drug use or dealing, Do not allow the drug dealer to draw you into their situation.
Never physically or verbally fight with a user.
Drug users can have uncommon strength under the influence as well as lowered inhibitions, which makes fighting with them extremely dangerous.
Remove yourself from the situation, and contact emergency personnel immediately., If you know other neighbors who are concerned about the drug use in the area, ask them to be part of a neighborhood watch program.
The goals of this program should include keeping an eye out for any criminal behaviors, watching out for young residents of the community who may be at risk, and making sure the addicts do not damage or steal property in the neighborhood.
You are there to watch not to act.
Report observed criminal behavior to the proper authorities.
Depending on the number of people involved, schedule specific times to monitor.
This may be most important in the mornings and afternoons, when children are on their way to and from school, and in the evenings when the drug behavior is most likely to occur.
If you already have a crime watch in your neighborhood, contact them to make sure they’re aware of the drug situation, and offer to volunteer.
About the Author
Janice Morgan
Brings years of experience writing about crafts and related subjects.
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