Prevention Resources for Law Enforcement Professionals

2008 Fact Sheet Indian Alcohol and Substance Abuse Program

An overview of the history, accomplishments, and strategies of the Bureau of Justice Assistance’s Indian Alcohol and Substance Abuse Program (IASAP). Since 2002, 85 communities have received funding to develop, implement, and enhance alcohol and substance abuse prevention, intervention, and enforcement programs. The paper lists past grant recipients of the IASAP, and the development/goals of these programs through 2008.

This document can help states, regions, and communities ascertain the nature and extent of problems and resources that affect the well-being of youth, and can assist in the selection of the best science-based approaches for addressing particular prevention needs.

Cultural Practices in American Indian Prevention Programs

This article explores the role of American Indian cultural practices in substance abuse prevention programs and provides information on general drug prevention programs/interventions.

This CD-ROM contains topical resources from the COPS Office, U.S. Department of Justice, and other Federal agency publications and resources related to drugs and crime, including information on club drugs, cocaine, crack, marijuana, methamphetamine, and crime-fighting policy and research.

Focus on Prevention:  Guidelines/Manual

Guides communities in planning and delivering substance abuse prevention strategies. Covers needs assessments, identifying partners, creating effective strategies, marketing, special populations, and program evaluation. Includes a sample timeline of tasks. Great for a community coalition just getting started.

Guidance for educators on how to talk with their students about the dangers of prescription drug abuse. Gives facts about teen prescription drug abuse, signs of abuse, and how to encourage conversations with students about issues involving prescription drug abuse. Brochure can be given to schools for use as part of the substance abuse curriculum.

Presents an overview of prescription-drug and over-the-counter-drug abuse and misuse. Discusses certain at-risk populations (teens and older adults); available treatment and recovery options; and the need to increase awareness through education.

Indian Health Service Methamphetamine Initiative Site

Sponsored by the Indian Health Services, this website provides information about meth prevention activities across Indian Country and the United States. It also provides resources and links to other websites specific Native Americans and drug prevention.

This DEA website provides teens and young adults with information about drugs and the consequences of drug use. Law Enforcement can use Just Thing Twice as a go-to resource for teaching teens and young adults about drug use and addiction. Suggested use: Promote the website at community events.

An overview of The Indian Country Methamphetamine Initiative (ICMI). Since 2006, a collaborative working group representing 20 different entities, including tribal governments, Federal agencies, and non-profit organizations meet monthly to discuss relevant changes in Federal drug policy, programmatic updates, new outreach methods, common obstacles and goals, and other pressing questions facing Indian Country. This website offers links to the findings of the ICMI, and tools that can be used to increase prevention and treatment in local Indian communities.

Gives tips and checklists to increase awareness and help parents guide their teens to a healthy life. Discusses setting expectations and rules, monitoring teens, and being a good role model to prevent problems such as alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drug use. This is a good resource for parents.

This publication presents updated prevention principles, an overview of program planning, and critical first steps for those learning about prevention. Also available as a pamphlet for handing out at community events. This edition can serve as an introduction to research-based prevention for those new to the field of drug abuse prevention. Selected resources and references are also provided.

Located on NIDA’s website, this resource provides access to all NIDA-generated, prevention-related products, including publications and videos of events (such as town hall meetings).

Real Kids Are Curious About Alcohol

Los menores de edad de hoy en día tienen curiosidad sobre el alcohol

(spanish version)

Brochure that arms parents with facts, tools, and advice for talking with their children about underage drinking and alcohol use prevention. Urges parents to talk with their children early and often, get involved, be good role models, set rules, and monitor activities.

Located on NIDA’s website, this resource features age-appropriate materials for students and young adults about drug use. A section specifically for teens has links to a blog as well as details about National Drug Facts Week, information on the impact of drug use on the developing body and brain, tools to help parents and other teen influencers talk to teens about the dangers of drug use, and engaging videos and activities. The materials can be handed out at schools and local community events. 

Brochure that describes: the stages of recovery from alcohol and drug abuse and what to expect after leaving detoxification services. Offers guidance in adjusting to sobriety just after detox and through long-term recovery, discusses legal issues, and lists resources.

This CD-ROM contains 6 modules that guide parents in helping their teens face the challenges of adolescence. Addresses phases of teen development, warning signs of pressured teens, scenarios for parent conversations, parenting styles and drug IQ, and a parenting handbook.

Too Smart to Start:  Ready, Set, Listen Game (CD-ROM format)

Listos, en sus marcas...¡Escuchen! (juego para computadoras)

(Spanish version)

Gives "tween" players the chance to role-play decision-making about drugs and alcohol by answering questions about feelings, facts, and situations. Contains resources for parents about family communication, setting limits, and setting a good example.

Posters targeting parents and kids. Real kids are curious about alcohol; 40 percent have tried it by the time they reach 8^th grade. Talking with your children early and often can make a difference. Get the facts, tools, and advice you need to start talking – for real.

Outlines common myths among teens about alcohol use. Corrects misconceptions with facts about the prevalence of alcohol use among youth and the effects of alcohol on the body and brain of a teen or pre-teen. Includes a resource guide.

HHS/SAMHSA VA

General Population: 24-hour emergency hotline for suicide prevention. The caller is directed to an operator and connected with emergency services within his/her location. Emergency Phone # if you or someone you know is contemplating suicide:   1-800-273-TALK (8255)

Veterans: The Veterans Crisis Line is a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) resource that connects Veterans in crisis or their families and friends with qualified VA professionals. Assistance is available through a confidential, toll-free hotline or via online chat. The Veterans Crisis Line is staffed by VA responders, many whom are Veterans themselves. Each responder understands the unique Veteran experience and is trained to handle any crisis. Veterans and their loved ones can call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1 or chat online to receive confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Spanish Language: 24-hour emergency hotline for suicide prevention with Spanish-speaking operators. The caller is directed to an operator and connected with emergency services within his/her location. Emergency phone # if you or someone you know is contemplating suicide: 1-888-628-9454

This searchable directory of drug and alcohol treatment programs shows the location of facilities around the country that treat alcoholism, alcohol abuse and drug abuse problems. The Locator includes more than 11,000 addiction treatment programs, including residential treatment centers, outpatient treatment programs, and hospital inpatient programs for drug addiction and alcoholism. Listings include treatment programs for marijuana, cocaine, and heroin addiction, as well as drug and alcohol treatment programs for adolescents, and adults.

DEA’s getsmartaboutdrugs.com website has a “Communities of Practice” portal that offers a “Train the Trainer” module and the following three PowerPoint presentations: 1) Signs of Illicit Drug Use and Abuse; 2) Prescription for Disaster: How Teens Abuse Medicine; and, 3) Hidden Dangers in Your Home.

G.R.E.A.T. is a school/classroom-based youth gang & violence prevention program taught by law enforcement officers and other criminal justice professionals.  With prevention as the primary objective, G.R.E.A.T. lessons focus on helping students develop life-skills to avoid delinquent behavior and violence as a means of resolving problems.  The lessons are interactive and through role-playing in short skits, provide students with an opportunity to discuss and practice the lessons they learn. 

CoreDEC is a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary community awareness training tool designed to engage a variety of professionals in the Drug Endangered Children (DEC) effort. For those interested in becoming recognized CoreDEC trainers, National DEC offers 2-day “Train the Trainer” events throughout the country.  Trainers are provided with materials necessary to run the course. The training is also available through the National and State Alliances, whose base module is available online as a series of webisodes.

Neighborhood Watch Toolkit

In an effort to further community drug prevention efforts, the Bureau of Justice Assistance, the Department of Justice, The Partnership at Drugfree.org, and the National Sheriffs’ Association collaborated to make the PACT360 programs available to neighborhood watch organizers and local law enforcement.

The materials are included in the Neighborhood Watch Toolkit as a CD and on the USAonwatch.org website as a module. The toolkit provides numerous resources for law enforcement and community members working with Neighborhood Watch groups and citizen organizations. The toolkit comprises eight CD’s that offer self-paced training aids, community presentations, facilitator guides, participant handbooks, posters, and localizable resource templates.

A free, community-based prevention program led by law enforcement in collaboration with prevention and treatment resources. Features web resources, community presentation components, information and tools, promotion materials, and evaluation materials.

Glossary of Agency Terms

DOJ

U.S. Department of Justice

DEA

Drug Enforcement Administration

OJP

Office of Justice Programs

COPS

Community Oriented Policing Services

HHS

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

SAMHSA

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

NIDA

National Institute on Drug Abuse

IHS

Indian Health Service

VA

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs