Pubdate: Tue, 26 Sep 2000
Source: Chicago Tribune (IL)
Copyright: 2000 Chicago Tribune Company
Contact:  435 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611-4066
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Author: Amanda Vogt
Bookmark: MAP's link to Illinois articles is: http://www.mapinc.org/states/il

POLICE TASK FORCE OPENS WEB SITE

LAKE COUNTY The Lake County Metropolitan Enforcement Group, a
multijurisdictional task force that investigates drug and gang-related
crime, has announced the debut of its Internet site.

The site, www.lakecountymeg.org, provides information about illegal drugs,
particularly their characteristics and effects, and warnings about
long-term health problems associated with their use.

Parents concerned that their children might be experimenting with illegal
drugs, particularly "club drugs" such as ecstasy, will find information and
tips on how to recognize if a child is abusing them, the task force said.

"This Web site will help the citizens of Lake County, particularly parents,
teachers and employers, learn intimate details of each illegal drug,"
Sheriff Gary Del Re said. "This familiarization will assist in answering
most questions that the public has regarding illegal drugs."

The site has mug shots and criminal histories of the most serious of the
county's fugitive drug criminals and a place to report possible illegal
activity related to drugs, gangs or guns. All complaints, even those
received anonymously, will be investigated, the task force said.

"This Web site provides an additional outlet for the public to report
criminal activity," enforcement group Director Terry Lemming said. "By
learning more about illegal drugs, the public can better judge criminal
activity in their community."
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MAP posted-by: Eric Ernst