Opinion : To The Editor: Prevent drug and alcohol abuse before it occurs

I first heard or maybe read this trademark, "If You See Something, Say Something", when it was used by the Department of Homeland Security.  Come to find out the trademark is owned by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority Corporation New York.  Its usage was intended to raise awareness and prevent terrorism.

It just seems strange people actually need to be prompted to call the police.  Anybody who knows me, know I like calling the police.  I was driving down I380 one afternoon on a sunny day and this big white van had its windshield wipers on, it was speeding up and slowing down randomly, and the van crossed the center line often.  He was obviously driving drunk, I called the police right away.  Urbana police showed up first closely followed by the DOT and not long after came the Benton County Sheriff.  The driver finally pulled over and the police came out with the weapons drawn.  After given some directions from our fearless law enforcement officers the driver went face down on the ground and was promptly arrested.  That was an awesome day!

When something bad is happening please say something, call the police.  Being reactive is the least we can do.  What is the best thing we can do?  Be proactive!  Prevention is being proactive; let’s stop drunk driving and drug abuse before it starts.  We need to double our efforts on underage drinking and drug abuse prevention.

As the city of Vinton searches for a new police chief it must be hard trying to fill the big shoes Chief Tilson wore.  It’s still seems surreal not having Tilson as our chief of police.  The entire police force reflects Tilson’s effectiveness and leadership.

However, this is the time to recalibrate priorities.  A time of transition is the time to reflect, evaluate, and make changes.  It’s a fresh start and prevention needs to be a higher priority.  It is time for the City of Vinton and the future police chief to redouble the efforts of preventing underage drinking and drug abuse.  It is time for our police force to be proactive not just reactive.

Above The Influence Coalition

Peter Shaw