SCOTT COUNTY'S FOCUS ON DRUG INVESTIGATIONS PAYS OFF WITH MORE ARRESTS AND CONVICTIONS

It's no secret that methamphetamine is a real problem in Southeast Missouri. Scott County's Sheriff's Department has taken a hard-nosed approach. It has dedicated two deputies to full-time narcotics investigations.

This approach has made the sheriff's department more proactive. It allows criminals to be caught before drugs reach the street.

With only 30 employees at the sheriff's department including clerical staff, this represents a huge commitment of time and resources.

But it also makes sense. Drugs, after all, are tied to so many other crimes.

These two officers are making a noticeable difference. Drug arrests have jumped 200 percent in the last three years. Methamphetamine has accounted for the bulk of the arrests.

In addition to their drug work, the officers still patrol the county. But these two officers also handle all the drug cases, so they're well familiar with the informants and repeat offenders.

The fact these officers handle all the cases also gives investigations consistency and continuity.

Scott County's focus on narcotics enforcement is paying off for residents in the fight against methamphetamine and other dangerous drugs.