National Methamphetamine
Initiative Survey:
The status of the Methamphetamine threat and impact on Indian Lands
Prepared for Bureau of Indian Affairs Law Enforcement Services
BIA and Tribal law enforcement agencies worked together to identify the threat
level caused by Meth production and use on tribal lands, the impact of Meth on
the communities and agencies involved, and the steps taken or being taken by
these agencies to address the Meth problem in Native American Communities.
The 20-question survey was
sent to over 150 Indian law enforcement agencies across the nation. 96 agencies,
including many from South Dakota and surrounding states, responded.
Some highlights from the study include:
74% of respondents indicated that Meth poses the greatest threat of all
drugs to the members of the communities they serviced.
43% of respondents
indicated that powder Meth is in high supply levels in their jurisdictions;
46% say crystal Meth is available in high quantities.
Many of the responding agencies see an increase of specific crimes tied directly
to Meth in their communities:
Domestic Violence - 64%
Burglary Crimes - 57%
Homicides - 4%
Assault/Battery - 64%
Child Neglect/Abuse -
48%
Elderly Abuse - 24%
Armed
Robbery - 2%
Sexual Crimes - 22%
Weapons
Violations -31%
Meth-related arrests have been on a steady increase over the past five years on
Indian Lands. The percentage of increase during each of the surveyed periods
hovers close to 60%.
58% of respondents indicated the Meth problem they face is causing an increase
in the workload of public safety workers, including more overtime pay, longer
shifts and changing assignments.
The complete analysis – including the specific questions and charts – is
available here in PDF format.
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