BLUEFIELD'S 'GET-TOUGH' POLICY SORELY NEEDED

Bluefield Police Chief C. N. Blizzard has announced an immediate crackdown
on multiple code violations in the city - including the use and sale of
drugs. The police focus will deal with a number of code violations - from
loud music and noise disturbances to loitering on city streets and people
who allow their grass to grow more than 12 inches high.

We agree with Chief Blizzard that city residents should abide by the code
but we are most concerned about the drug activity. He said the use of drugs
in the city remains a serious problem and won't be tolerated.

It should never be tolerated.

The harm done by illegal drugs to our young people is deplorable. Young
children and teenagers who are lured into drug use are taking steps toward
a destructive lifestyle that can destroy their lives, or even cause their
deaths. Every effort should be made to stop both the use and the sales.

Providing assistance to Chief Blizzard and the Bluefield police officers
will be the Southern Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force which is
composed of area law enforcement officers. The group is actively working to
identify and apprehend those people involved in illegal drug activity in
the local area.

Cleaning up drug sales and possession should be a priority not just in the
city of Bluefield, but throughout the southern West Virginia and Southwest
Virginia areas.

Including many city laws in his plans for a crackdown of violators, Chief
Blizzard said the police will also be working to generally stop the growing
acts of ignoring city laws. Among restrictions he listed which will be in
the focus of law authorities are large trash piles near city residences,
people "loafing on the streets" yelling at passing motorists, allowing dogs
to run off leash, illegal drinking, use of drugs and throwing of trash at
Lotito Park.

Chief Blizzard said, "We don't want to offend anyone. We just want the city
cleaned up."

It is far more offensive to drive through city streets and be harassed by
loitering teens, have loud music disturbing neighborhoods or to see gangs
of youths obviously involved in drug activities.

We support the Bluefield Police Department in its effort to make the city a
safer, better place to live and encourage all residents to offer assistance
to the police officers.