Maintaining Neighborhood Vigilance

When a drug dealer moves in nobody knows it at first. Then, telltale signs manifest as the dynamics of the neighborhood begin to change. What was once a peaceful, quiet cul-desac with limited traffic and a nice place for children to play, ride bikes and scooters, suddenly has an influx of strangers coming and going at all hours of the day and night. Then, they suddenly have to have the carpet replaced. Was there a toxic chemical spill from a meth lab?

The dealer and customers may park in parking spaces allotted to residents or double park causing congestion in traffic flow through the cul-de-sac and presenting impediments to bicycle and scooter travels of neighborhood children. The dealer may switch vehicles every week to try and cover up an illegal operation.

The drug dealer is not seeking to become a respected member of the community, instead endeavors are concentrated on driving sales and building an illegal business at the expense of the neighborhood. Keenly aware such an enterprise is unlawful, dealers operate with a paranoid frame of mind and their customers can be just as edgy. Neighborhood residents can’t be sure of which vehicle passing through may have occupants carrying loaded firearms or being driven by persons under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

The dealer’s perspective is one-sided, selfish and insensitive to the neighborhood around him. Generating cash flow is the top priority along with building repeat business. The most dangerous aspect of the enterprise is the entitlement mentality — a false belief that the dealer’s interests supersede those of everyone else and they rationalize making an illegal profit somehow has become a right.

It’s not a right and drug dealers and their customers must be reminded they may draw the ‘go directly to jail card’ at any time.

Simply reporting suspicions of increased traffic and strangers coming and going at all hours of the day and night to the police or landlord may not draw the desired response. Those concerns may be easily shrugged off due to a lack of concrete evidence.

What actions can citizens take that will be effective?

Maintaining vigilance by committee can be a neighborhood asset. Residents may form a neighborhood watch and post street signs. This may serve as a deterrent and informs potential residents and those who pass through that criminal activity is unwelcome and will not be tolerated.

Dealers and their customers may have prior records and be out on parole or serving probation as a condition of their release. Parole and probationary conditions often prohibit the dealer from possessing firearms or consuming alcohol. A violation will result in an immediate return to jail or prison and neighborhood tension relaxes.

These factors are in favor of maintaining a peaceful neighborhood. Residents can learn who the local parole and probation officers are and get their contact information.

While the local police and landlord are the first contacts to approach in addressing residential concerns, parole and probation officers have a vested interest in the activities of convicts under their supervision and can be a strong ally in restoring peace to the neighborhood.