Pubdate: Wed, 17 Sep 2003 Source: Daily Press (VA) Copyright: 2003 The Daily Press Contact: http://www.dailypress.com Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/585 Author: L. L. Adams OPEN DRUG DEALING For several weeks, I have witnessed in my neighborhood drug dealing from a certain house. They are so blatantly open about their operation that I am amazed that it is continuing. I contacted the police department and spoke to a special investigator and was told that anytime I saw a "transaction" to contact them, which I have done numerous times. One day I called at least three times. Each time I call the police department, I speak to whoever answers the phone. I have to retell my problem each time and they say they will send someone to patrol the street. Very seldom have I ever seen a police car on this street. Meanwhile the business continues, either in the back yard, the front yard, in the middle of the street, wherever is convenient. Recently I saw someone receive a speeding ticket on an adjoining street. Because of citizens' complaints, a patrol car was parked to catch speeders. I am aware that speeding is a hazard, but why ignore the drug dealing that has been going on in the same neighborhood for weeks? All it would take is for one officer to watch this particular house for one day. This is why families are moving out of Hampton and to other localities where their police department is better manned and funded. I do not blame the police department wholly, because as I understand, there is a shortage of officers. Can anyone give me an answer of what can be done to rid our neighborhood of this trash? L. L. Adams Hampton - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake