From 2011 to 2012, there was an increase in the number of drug arrests made in 10 of 15 different drug-related charges in DeKalb, including a spike in possession of cannabis arrests, according to a police report provided by DeKalb Police Commander Jason Leverton.

The largest increases in arrests involving drugs occurred in arrests made for possession of cannabis under 30 grams and possession of drug equipment, with increases by 79 and 57, respectively. While there were no arrests for crimes involving the possession of or the intent to deliver methamphetamine in 2011, five such arrests were made in 2012.

Small decreases were seen in arrests for possession and sale of hypodermic syringes and needles and in arrests for possession of controlled substances, with three fewer arrests in 2012 than in 2011 for each.

“I think it would be accurate to say the increase [in overall drug arrests] has been a stronger effort in looking for signs of drug activity in use,” Leverton said. “It’s hard to make an empirical statement saying the increase is due to more drug activity. It has probably mostly been due to increased recognition by officers.”

Juvenile drug arrests have also shown some increases, according to the report. Drug prevention and education is often centered around youth, said Capri Smith, program manager for prevention and education at the Ben Gordon Center, 12 Health Services Drive. Smith said drug problems can affect the whole community and the Ben Gordon Center is hosting a DeKalb County Partnership for a Safe, Active and Family Environment (DCP/SAFE) coalition, which actively works in the community to prevent drug use and drug crime while educating about the issue.

“We’re looking at IHSA and their drug policies to make sure that what they have written is similar to and compliant with state policies,” said Laura Miller, prevention specialist and DCP/SAFE member. “I also started the movement to reinstate the canine program with the DeKalb Police Department.”

The canine program, which is part of the Vision 20/20 plan put forth by Chief Gene Lowery and the DeKalb Police Department, provides crowd control, school searches and vehicle searches along with several other services related to drug crime. Miller said this can help with the reduction of crime rates.

Leverton referred to Vision 20/20 initiatives in reference to curbing drug crime, also.

“At the moment we don’t have any direct initiatives,” Leverton said. “We’re looking more at the Vision 20/20, and one unit is the Targeted Response Unit that will certainly focus on drug activity, and a number of those principles are already being employed in the community.”

Vision 20/20 not only looks to acquire a canine unit and the Targeted Response Unit but will also look to dedicate an officer to the DEA Narcotics Task Force.