Letter to Editor: Hard Drugs in Botetourt

Dear Editor:

Hard Facts on Hard Drugs in Our Community

The drug and opiate crisis is affecting our community.   That’s a hard pill to swallow for many, but it is a truth we must accept.  

In 2017, the Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office reported a 34% increase in drug and narcotic related offenses.  During the same time period, larceny offenses grew by over 52%.   These are significant numbers, and it’s time they receive the attention they deserve.  Drug addiction is often a contributing factor to thefts, as afflicted individuals seek to find the means and mechanisms necessary to support their habit.

Worse though, are the statistics from the Virginia Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.   In 2016, the most recent year available, drug/poisoning deaths increased by 38.9% — the biggest single year increase ever recorded in Virginia.  Over 94% of all fatal opioid overdoses were accidents, with fentanyl and/or heroin being responsible for 57% of those.   The OCME attributes the death of four individuals to overdoses that occurred in Botetourt County.

Any death from drug addiction is one too many.  This crisis needs creative solutions.   Throughout my years in law enforcement, I have come to realize that fighting addiction requires a multi-faceted approach.   Here are just a few of the ways I will work to curb drug abuse and related crime in our community:

Partnerships with state and federal law enforcement to target local dealers and distributors.

Education of our youth, and increased school resource officer presence in our schools to prevent the cycle of addition.

Expansion of our existing drug take-back efforts, to include secure drop boxes where prescription and illicit drugs can be anonymously surrendered and safely destroyed.

Collaboration with the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office to ensure punishments for drug violations fit the crime.

Cooperation with substance abuse advocacy groups to provide services to those afflicted by addiction.

Ensuring access to rehabilitation programs for those incarcerated in our jail.

As your next Sheriff, I will work to reduce the effect that drugs have on our community, and our families.  A vote for me, is a vote for a safer and drug-free community.

Sincerely,

Jeffrey L. Stritesky

Candidate for Sheriff of Botetourt County