NBA asks bankers to help fund drug enforcement

Northwestern Financial Review, May 15-May 31, 2002 by Dullum, Justin

The Nebraska Bankers Association is teaming up with state law enforcement to thwart drug abusers and, subsequently, bank robbers. In a letter to members, NBA Executive Vice President George Beattie outlined the needs of the Nebraska State Patrol Foundation and made an appeal to bankers to help raise $1.15 million. The money is needed for, among other things, scholarships for special training, laptop computers for patrol vehicles, crime lab equipment, purchase of a bomb disabling robot and expanding the Police Service Dog Division.

"The board of directors thought this was a worthwhile effort, otherwise we would not be engaged in supporting this," said Beattie.

In the letter, Beattie wrote, "Meth labs uncovered in the state rose from two in 1997 to more than 50 in 2001." In 2000, Beattie said, 242 pounds of meth was seized by state officials compared to 188 pounds over the preceding decade-and history suggests increased drug abuse equals increased bank robberies. Year after year, FBI statistics show drug abuse and robbery are distinctly correlated.

At a recent rural development conference, U.S. Rep. Tom Osborne of Nebraska said the average meth addict commits 130 crimes a year to support their habit.

"According to the FBI, 49 percent of bank robbers are drug users," said Beattie. "And addicts rob more than banks. Many other crimes are related to drug abuse. It's simply the need to fund the habit."

The NBA has rallied for the State Patrol Foundation once in the past, and got a favorable response. "The problem keeps getting worse. This is the sort of thing banks usually step up for."

Nebraska is not alone when it comes to an increase in meth use. Over the past several years, the Midwest has seen rapid growth in the production and distribution of the drug.

In some areas near state borders and interstate highways, where meth labs are typically situated for ease of distribution, the FBI reports a rise in bank robberies.

By Justin Dullum