Drug Information
The Batesville Police Department, along with our partners, seeks to provide information about drug awareness, prevention, response and recovery to the community we serve to enable our fellow citizens to participate as critical partners in addressing these broad national and international issues here at home. Whether you are seeking help for yourself or a loved one, or merely wish to be ready should the situation arise, we hope this information is useful.
Please refer to this page for general information regarding law enforcement and policing controlled substances, and especially to our dedicated pages for High Risk Drugs, Fentanyl Safety, and Drug Education Resources.
Police Response
Patrol division officers are likely to be the first responders on scene to assist with a critical drug event like overdose. Although we have a duty to enforce Arkansas law, protecting life takes priority in those moments. Patrol officers are trained on CPR, AED and how to administer Narcan (naloxone), and will also coordinate with other services as needed to ensure the individual at risk is provided higher-order medical care. The public may be the true first responders in these situations, and so we encourage you to understand the resources available to you, learn how to recognize the signs of overdose and be aware of the risks of contact with controlled substances. Providing information to Police, Fire or EMS personnel helps responders provide rapid and effectual treatment to those at risk from use of controlled substances.
Police officers may also respond to these scenes at the request of Fire or EMS if they need additional assistance with treatment, restraint or transport.
Controlled Substances (CS)
As defined under Arkansas law, specifically A.C.A § 5-64-419 Possession of a controlled substance, it can either be a felony or misdemeanor to possess a drug classified as a controlled substance. As with all statutes, the law also defines more specifically what these terms mean under the same chapter. A.C.A. § 5-64-101 Definitions explicitly defines controlled substances as "a drug, substance, or immediate precursor in Schedules I through VI." These schedules, one through six, are determined by a drug's risk of abuse and impacts to health. The substance schedules in Arkansas may differ from the Federal Drug Schedules (I-V), and Arkansas law is enforced by state schedules - not federal.
Drug Interdiction
One of the major focuses at all levels of law enforcement (federal, state and local agencies), drug interdiction is the effort to identify, intercept and seize controlled substances before they can reach their intended destination. Drug trafficking relies on many of the same needs as legitimate industries such as manufacturing, logistics and transport. Efforts by federal agencies, state units, Drug Task Forces (DTFs), and local agencies, with dedicated divisions and personnel, seek to disrupt these illicit operations and reduce the impact of controlled substances, especially High Risk Drugs, on our communities. Patrol divisions and officers also act as a key component of drug interdiction and enforcement.
Drug Tips
If you would like to report suspicious drug activity, you may submit a tip through our Drug Tips Form or email drugtips@batesvillepolicear.gov. While we accept anonymous tips, BPD appreciates the cooperation of those willing to work with us.
