Former candidate creates e-mail account for drug tips

LIMA - A new system is available for residents worried about drug use in their neighborhoods.

Lima resident Marc Reinicke, who lost earlier this month in the primary election for City Council, created an e-mail account in which concerned residents can anonymously send an e-mail about suspected drug houses. Reinicke will then send a letter to the resident of the house, the property owner - if applicable - and to the Lima Police Department that a complaint has been made of possible drug activity.

Reinicke said under city ordinance 124-06, if the property owner is aware of drug use and doesn't report it he or she could lose the property.

"This will be a citizen effort, I want to give people a new avenue," Reinicke said. "Otherwise the drug problem in Lima will fester and become out of control."

Maj. Tony Swygart of the Lima Police Department said this new initiative has potential to be helpful.

"It's extremely important to receive information from the public," Swygart said. "There may be some duplication between this e-mail system and what Crime Stoppers does, with anonymous tips."

Derry Glenn, 6th ward city councilman, has used a similar plan to the one Reinicke has proposed for his past three terms. Glenn sends letters to known drug houses in his ward.

"It is very effective for me and I think any idea helps out," Glenn said. "It's important to send a message out to these people."

Mike Brickner, spokesman for the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio, said there are a couple of issues with this e-mail system.

"A lot of times tips are faulty and unsubstantiated," Brickner said. "It creates more work for the police because they have to investigate each claim and it could take away from real police work."

Brickner also mentioned the damage a false claim could have to someone's reputation.

"What happens to the list of the names and tips if there is no police follow-up - they could be used for something bad," he said. "That person's name would be associated with bad behavior."

Reinicke said he has talked to a lot of residents who are fed up with the drug problem.

"I want it to be clear that I won't be accusing anybody but want to make them aware that something is catching someone's eye," Reinicke said.

Reinicke said the mailing of the letters will be completely self-funded.