By Melinda Munson

Acting Police Chief Jerry (J.J.) Reddick says he and his two officers can’t be everywhere and see everything. In an effort to combat drug use and other crimes in Skagway, an anonymous online tool, called a P3 Tips line, is now available. The effort coincides with a recent program to help drug users and prosecute drug dealers.

The municipality, in collaboration with Dahl Memorial Clinic, started the Skagway Addiction Clean Sweep campaign in December 2020 to “help residents suffering from addiction and identify and eliminate illegal drug trafficking within the borough.” 

Mayor Andrew Cremata said the first goal of the program is to get help for “people who are having problems.” He noted that individuals who are dealing illegal substances “don’t get the same courtesy.”

According to Reddick, a recent overdose was the first physical evidence he’s seen of heroine in Skagway since he started working on its police force in 2018.

Reddick, who has been a police officer for 22 years, became a narcotics investigator in 2009 and continued until his move to Skagway in 2018.

“The Skagway Police Department plays a vital role in helping people who are suffering from addiction,” Reddick said. “It is a well-known fact that opioids are in our community and we cannot stand idly by while our friends and loved ones suffer.”

“We’re here to help. We’re part of the community,” Reddick said. He added a caution. “We will go after you if you’re bringing the stuff to sell it.” 

Online tips can be made at:

https://www.p3tips.com/TipForm.aspx?ID=543&C&T&fbclid=IwAR2Z3tK3pfvKSrjXjNkwFdmkI5z5BPstiMW6fWnMYBa2arTrIGPLWlF0e_s.