Southington Police Official: Cops have 'Strategies' to Deal With Student Drug Use

SOUTHINGTON, CT — A high-ranking police official on Wednesday said he has "strategies" outlined to deal with local drug enforcement and education in response to a Town Council member calling for a strong presence in both areas.

The Southington Police Department is working with all of our Community Stakeholders on dealing with drug use, abuse, and addiction within our community, Deputy Chief William Palmieri said. "You can see the importance of addressing this issue, given the discussion at the local government level within our community."

Town Council member Victoria Triano this week said the town needs to use of drug-sniffing dogs and perform random locker searches more often at Southington High School.

"The Southington Police Department will continue to use a series of enforcement programs, strategies, and options as the community work together to address this issue," Palmieri said. "We also understand the need to partner with other community stakeholders to provide education, guidance, and support for people dealing with drug use, abuse and addiction."

He added, "It has been said many times that Police cannot arrest their way out of the current drug problem. However with the proactive support of Local Government and the collaboration within the community we all are working proactively to address this important community concern."

Triano is a founding member of STEPS, the Southington Town-Wide Effort to Promote Success.

Patch file photo