Marietta Police Chief Dan Flynn has sparked controversy by withdrawing his department from the Marietta-Cobb-Smyrna drug task force after almost 40 years as a member. Flynn said that he wanted re-allocate resources to focus more on drug prevention and intervention efforts. The chief also said that the department will institute “evidence-based policing” that views the opioid epidemic, and the rising prevalence of methamphetamine, as public health issues as much as public safety.
Flynn emphasized that his department will always continue to crack down on drug dealers and traffickers within the city of Marietta, except now his officers will be able to use their discretion to direct suspects who are willing to enter treatment, and have their case referred, to one of the seven accountability courts in Cobb County. Flynn said his department cannot arrest its way out of the ongoing drug crisis in the local community.
Critics opposed to Marietta backing out say Flynn is in reality reneging on a previous deal he had with other members when it comes to Marietta’s share of paying for task force force activities. He backed out when it came time to pay up, they say, and is using the “cannot arrest its way out” argument as a smokescreen.
In the past, the MCS task force has processed civil forfeiture assets on behalf of its members. Flynn claims most of Marietta’s revenue from civil forfeiture comes from federal channels, and does not believe the department will be impacted by the loss of funds from MCS.
Nevertheless, his (former) partners charge that the chief has gone back on his word.
