Marietta Police Department

To Protect and Serve

Crime Information

Burglary Prevention

Experience has demonstrated three basic concepts repeatedly:   The appearance that an occupant is present and is attentive to the condition of the property is, in itself, a potent deterrent to would-be criminals, and physical security equipment is absolutely worthless unless used, and the component in any security system most likely to fail is the human one.

Keeping your residence neat and clean, in good repair, and giving the appearance of being home (i.e. being in and out and active inside) is the first fundamental step toward preventing crime there.

The second fundamental step toward home crime prevention is to be a good neighbor. Get to know your neighbors and their habits to the extent that you can recognize deviations from normal behavior (and they can do the same for you). Call the police when you observe a stranger behaving in a suspicious manner (loitering and observing, approaching multiple residences without apparent business, or removing property from a neighbor's residence). A cooperative neighborhood can increase everyone's collective home security with very little individual effort or time.

A third fundamental step is to take prompt action to address maintenance problems affecting your security; report burnt-out lights, uncollected trash, graffiti, broken windows, defective security systems and other conditions which detract from the secure appearance of your residence promptly to the appropriate authorities for correction.

ASSESSING YOUR HOME'S VULNERABILITY

In order to "harden your home", you have to learn to "think like a thief". Consider how a criminal might attack you, your home, or your belongings, and eliminate as many of the opportunities or vulnerable points as you can. When you've done your best, ask a trusted friend to try the same thing. When you've addressed any new deficiencies your friend points out, then consider asking your local law enforcement provider whether they conduct home security surveys; if they do, schedule one.

 

Drug Information

Common Signs of Drug Misuse

1.    Changes in attendance at work or school.
2.    Change from normal capabilities (work habits, efficiency, etc.)
3.    Poor physical appearance, including inattention to dress and personal hygiene.
4.    Wearing sunglasses constantly at inappropriate times (indoors or at night, for instance) not only to hide dilated or constricted pupils but also to compensate for the eye's inability to adjust to sunlight.  Marijuana causes blood shot eyes.
5.    Unusual effort made to cover arms in order to hide needle marks.
6.    Association with known drug users.
7.    Stealing items which can be readily sold for cash (to support a drug habit).

Marijuana

1.    In the early stages of marijuana usage, the person may appear animated with rapid, loud talking and bursts of laughter.  In later stages, he may be sleepy.
2.    Pupils may be dilated and the eyes blood shot.
3.    May have distortion of perception and hallucinations.

The marijuana user is difficult to recognize unless he is actually under the influence of the drug, and even then, he may be able to work reasonably well.  The drug may distort his depth and time perception, making driving or the operation of machinery hazardous.  Long continued use of marijuana has been associated with mental deterioration.

 

Methamphetamine (Speed)

There has been an alarming increase in the number of "Speed" users, generally among teenagers and young adults. Methamphetamine is the most potent and hence the most dangerous of all the amphetamines.  Its effects are similar to those from other drugs in this category but are far more intense.