Pine Bluff Fights Drug Problem
By: Import User
Updated: January 7, 2009
Criminal and civil authorities in Pine Bluff
have joined powers to root out drugs in the city.
The SAFE Team uses 2001 abatement laws to force drug dealers out
of their homes. Drug houses are usually rental properties that
serve as headquarters for dealers.
Since 2001, police have had the power to serve eviction notices
and force drug dealers into civil court. Pine Bluff believes the
additional powers can keep convicted drug dealers from restarting
their business after bonding out of jail.
The SAFE Team is based on a 1999 experiment by North Little
Rock. SAFE Teams combine the forces of the police and fire
departments, code inspectors, city attorneys and mayors.
