The purchase of an enclosed trailer could be a valuable tool in informing residents about the dangers of drugs.
Making the request on behalf of Drug Free Marshall County, Ward Byers asked the commissioners for permission to purchase an enclosed trailer to assist in a community outreach effort, specifically to parents and caregivers.
“There are a lot of things out there that are drug references that parents or caregivers aren’t aware of that their children may have in their rooms, shirts that they wear or posters they may have,” said Byers. “One of the concepts is this ‘hidden in plain sight’ mock bedroom where we set that up. We take that trailer to different festivals, fairs and community events. That will also allow us to mix it up a little bit with other drug education and substance education as the group sees fit.”
Byers said it would be available to all police departments for use in their commnities.
A quote was obtained from Circle P Trailers in Argos for a 2018 enclosed cargo trailer in the amount of $4,900. The trailer would be paid for by funds from Drug Free Marshall County, the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department and Marshall County Community Corrections.
Byers explained that Drug Free Marshall County funds are collected through countermeasure fees impsoed on defendants by local courts. Those who are founs guilty of drug convictions pay that fee.
The commissioners unanimously approved the request.
Byers said work will be done over the winter to put together the display for unveiling in the spring. The trailer will be stored at the sheriff’s department.
