Pima County Attorney - Narcotics Unit

Pima County Attorney's Office image header

The Pima County Attorney Narcotic Unit works closely with law enforcement officers to arrest major drug dealers, seize narcotics and dealer assets, and get dealers off the streets. The Unit also encourages first-time offenders to use the innovative new Drug Court to help them treat their addiction. To contact the Narcotics Unit please call (520) 740-5600.

	Drug Court
	D.A.R.E.
	Just Think Twice

If you are a victim of crime and need further assistance please contact The Pima County Attorney's Victim Witness Program at
(520) 740-5525.

Don’t put off talking to your children about alcohol and other drugs. As early as fourth grade, kids worry about pressures to try drugs. School programs alone are not enough. Parents must become involved, but most parents are not sure how to tell their children about drugs. Open communication is one of the most effective tools you can use in helping your child avoid drug use. Talking freely and really listening shows children that they mean a great deal to you.

Tell them that you love them and you want them to be healthy and happy.
Say you do not find alcohol and other illegal drugs acceptable.
Many parents never state this simple principle. Explain how this use hurts people. Physical harm - for example, AIDS, slowed growth, impaired coordination, accidents. Emotional harm - sense of not belonging, isolation, paranoia. Educational harm - difficulties remembering and paying attention.
Discuss the legal issues. A conviction for a drug offense can lead to time in prison or cost someone a job, driver’s license, or college loan.
Talk about positive, drug-free alternatives, and how you can explore them together. Some ideas include sports, reading, movies, bike rides, hikes, camping, cooking, games, and concerts. Involve your kids’ friends.
Calmly and openly - don’t exaggerate. The facts speak for themselves.
Face to face - exchange information and try to understand each other’s point of view. Be an active listener and let your child talk about fears and concerns. Don’t interrupt and don’t preach.
Through "teachable moments" - in contrast to a formal lecture, use a variety of situations - television news, TV dramas, books, newspaper.
Establish an ongoing conversation rather than giving a one-time speech.
Remember that you set the example. Avoid contradictions between your words and your actions. And don’t use illegal drugs, period!
Be creative! You and your child might act out various situation in which one person tries to pressure another to take a drug. Figure out two or three ways to handle each situation and talk about which works best. Exchange ideas with other parents.