Bath police chief urges creation of drug dealer registry
BY JOHN ZICK THE LEADER

Rouse

BATH - Bath Police Chief Dave Rouse feels the state could use a drug dealer registry similar to its sex offender watch list.

In a letter sent Wednesday to state Sen. George H. Winner Jr., Rouse called on the Elmira Republican to consider legislation that would create a registry for all convicted drug dealers.

"I'm realizing the effect these drug dealers are having on all communities," Rouse said last Friday.

According to Rouse, Level 2 and Level 3 sex offenders - whose photos, offenses and addresses are kept in a registry that is accessible on line - typically target young children and women.

"Drug dealers, on the other hand, they pose a threat to everybody," Rouse said.

Before sendin g the letter, Rouse found a law in the Illinois General Assembly similar to the one he is proposing. "At least someone is thinking along the same lines," Rouse said.

Often, Rouse said, convicted drug dealers can blend into a community, and until they're caught, no one is aware they are there.

Also, drug dealing invites other criminal activity, decreases property values and increases taxes, Rouse said.

"People have a right to know who's in their community," Rouse said. "To me, I see this as a win -win."

A registry would also assist law enforcement, the chief said.

Rouse said Winner had not yet responded to the letter.