ICYMI: Salem Police Chief Responds to Media Reports of Drug Activity in The Point

Editor's Note: This story was originally posted earlier this week. Here it is again in case you missed it.

SALEM, MA—Salem Police Chief Mary Butler has responded to news reports by the Boston Globe and WBZ-TV regarding drug dealing activity in The Point neighborhood of Salem.

Salem Police posted a statement from Butler to their Facebook account Friday. Both reports cite discussions with Salem residents Shawn Meenan and Rachel Shellabarger. The reports also describe the couple using lumber to brace the door of their condominium.

According to the Globe's report, the couple says that numerous complaints to police, the other condo owners, and condo trustees have not been heeded. In Butler's response, she stated while there is drug dealing activity in the neighborhood, it does not necessarily face problems unique to just the point neighborhood.

In addition, Butler stated that the department has been attentive to complaints from the couple.

"While a quick fix might be the expected goal, as a Police organization, we endeavor into proper and legal police practices to respond to crimes and to appropriately charge individuals," Butler wrote.

Butler's full statement can be viewed below.