Washington, D.C. - The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is pleased to announce an upcoming webcast and satellite broadcast addressing methamphetamine use in the nation's communities. 

Featuring an esteemed panel of experts, the free, interactive broadcast will explore the dangers of meth and how community policing and partnerships can support enforcement and prevention efforts.   

Panelists include experts from federal and local law enforcement agencies, and community organizations. Viewers can watch the program live from their computers, submit e-mail questions to the panel and receive answers immediately. 

The satellite broadcast will enable organizations with downlink capabilities to view the program for large audiences in a "Town Hall Meeting" setting and host post-program discussions.

Entitled "A Community Partnership Approach to Addressing Meth," the broadcast is hosted by DOJ's Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Partnership for a Drug-Free America (PDFA).

When is the free, live broadcast?

AUGUST 22, 2006, 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. ET

Who are the panelists:

• Detective Steve Cutler, Salt Lake City COPS Methamphetamine Initiative
• Ronald Glensor, Ph.D., Deputy Chief with the Reno, Nevada Police Department
• Nina Manganaris, Coalition Coordinator for the Prince William (Virginia) Health Partnership Authority
• Marjean Searcy, Project Coordinator for the Salt Lake City COPS Methamphetamine Initiative
• Michael Townsend, Executive VP and Director of the Methamphetamine Demand Reduction Program of the PDFA 

Why is the program important?

According to the 2004 National Survey on Drug Use and Health published by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, nearly 12 million Americans have tried methamphetamine. 

Once prevalent only in rural towns and on the West Coast, meth has erupted across the United States and is now devastating countless families, children and neighborhoods.  Partnerships between communities and law enforcement are a proven best practice for combating this dangerous drug. 

Panelists will discuss:

• The latest facts about the dangers of meth and nationwide efforts to control its spread
• Examples of how both national and local level partnerships have increased the capacity to identify laboratories, create prevention programs and protect our children
• Practical advice on starting effective partnerships - and tips for making them work

Who should sign up to watch?

• Executive and line-level law enforcement professionals
• Community groups and members
• Public health and social services professionals
• State, tribal and local government executives
• United States Attorneys' offices

How to sign up:

Go to: www.DOJConnect.com

Note: The program will be archived online for 12 months, making it available 24/7 for viewers who cannot view the program live.