Sheboygan Chief explains MEG unit's drug arrest statistics and community issues

During the recent Sheboygan Common Council meeting, discussions centered on the city's ongoing drug issues, highlighting concerns about the effectiveness of the Multi-Agency Drug Enforcement Group (MEG) unit. A council member expressed alarm over the reported figures, noting that only 32 arrests and 90 drug charges seemed disproportionately low given the community's visible drug problems.

In response, Chief of Police clarified that the MEG unit's statistics reflect only the most severe drug offenses, not the total drug-related arrests made by the entire police department. He emphasized that the unit focuses on high-level dealers and long-term investigations, which can result in fewer but more significant arrests. The chief acknowledged that while drug issues persist in Sheboygan, they mirror challenges faced by many communities, particularly due to the city's location along trafficking routes from larger cities like Milwaukee and Chicago.

The chief also noted a shift in the nature of drug-related problems in the community, moving away from the traditional "crack house" scenarios to more isolated incidents. The police department is actively addressing these issues through nuisance abatement ordinances, which aim to mitigate the disorder associated with drug trafficking rather than solely relying on arrests.

Council members expressed interest in receiving more comprehensive data on drug arrests, suggesting that quarterly and annual reports could provide valuable insights into trends and the effectiveness of law enforcement efforts. This request reflects a broader desire for transparency and accountability in addressing the community's drug challenges.

As Sheboygan continues to grapple with drug-related issues, the council's discussions underscore the importance of effective law enforcement strategies and community engagement in tackling these persistent problems.