Pubdate: Fri, 23 Aug 2002
Source: Contra Costa Times (CA)
Copyright: 2002 Knight Ridder
Contact: http://www.bayarea.com/mld/bayarea/contact_us/feedback_np2
Website: http://www.bayarea.com/mld/cctimes
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/96

DRUG HOTLINE GOES MULTILINGUAL

The Oakland Police Department is now able to receive confidential 
information about suspected illegal drug activity from tipsters who speak 
languages other than English. The police department's drug hotline, at 
510-238-DRUG or 510-238-3784, is now available for use by those who speak 
Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin and Vietnamese.

The hotline, which allows residents to provide anonymous tips about 
suspected drug dealing in their neighborhoods, has existed since the mid-1980s.

Its transition to include languages other than English was conducted by 
Oakland's Equal Access Office, which was created a year ago after the City 
Council passed an ordinance requiring all city agencies to make services 
available in languages spoken by 10,000 or more Oakland residents.

Police Chief Richard Word said that community involvement can help to make 
a difference in fighting drug activity by allowing police to deploy their 
services more efficiently. He added that expanding the services to 
non-English speakers will make the service more effective.

"By working together, the Oakland Police Department and neighborhood 
residents can reduce crime and make neighborhoods safer," Word said. "We 
encourage our non-English speaking community members to call the anonymous 
drug hotline."

When placing an anonymous tip, callers should give all pertinent 
information including the addresses where drug-dealing is suspected, where 
drugs may be hidden, descriptions of drug dealers and their vehicles and 
the time of the activity.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens