Every one of us knows someone who has been affected by the drug epidemic in our country. Whether you or someone you know was born into addiction or has struggled with addiction or have been to treatment or jail or facing charges for drugs or lost someone to an overdose. Even those who are living in chronic pain and can't get relief from the doctor, because of their struggle with the drug epidemic, are affected. We know now that this isn't criminal, but rather a public health problem that needs to be treated. I don't know how to save the world, but I do know we can all try harder to be better and do what's right and undermining a person's struggle with sobriety and manipulating vulnerable people into committing crimes is far from the right thing to do. Some things should go without saying. Our police officers are suppose to be held to a higher standard and are suppose to be protecting us and helping us, not orchestrating crime and preying on the vulnerable in our community. From what I can see this is happening in more than one way. My first example is someone dear to me, who has struggled with addiction for many years and who, not too long ago, became very ill and nearly lost his life. He miraculously survived and was finally back at home recovering from not only a septic mrsa infection, but also from mrsa menengitis and icu psychosis. He had to learn to walk again and had 24 hour in home care for quite some time (which technically makes him a vulnerable adult under the law). Certain Houghton county sheriff's deputies who admit being aware of his condition and lengthy time spent in the hospital, preyed on him in his vulnerable state by using a known cocaine dealer and attempted to contact him through calls and texts. When the calls and texts weren't returned the dealer was then sent to his home to entice him with cocaine and set him in motion to seek meth to trade for the cocaine. So, the coke dealer gets to walk free because he passed the buck onto an addict, who is now looking at life in prison. Isn't staying on the right path hard enough without the devil on your shoulder coaxing you into making bad decisions? (Being an addict makes a person vulnerable all on its own and paired with a severe mental and physical condition like this, a person is much more vulnerable and therefore more easily exploited).And when the temptations to answer his calls are resisted, the devil shows up at your door! Why are the police playing the part of the devil? Why are we allowing it? Who benefits by this practice? Not those struggling with addiction Nor their families and not the rest of the community or it's members either. Making an addict look like a dealer and sending him to prison for the rest of his life only benefits one group, but I guess that's how you create job security when your job is no longer about protecting the community instead it's about how many notches are in your belt, even if you have to cheat to get them. There are other people that I know that certain officers have targeted and threatened every aspect of their livelihood while holding charges over their heads,(or in the glovebox of their squad car) unless they “ give them something". If these people weren't struggling with addiction in the beginning, they are now, because that's what the police want. In order to continue imprisoning people who are suffering from addiction, they need to keep their informants using drugs and in that lifestyle. And when forced to “ come up with something" or go to jail, they do what they're told, even when there's no dealer to give up, they "come up with something". It doesn't end there though, there's no end to it. Once you make a deal with the devil you are in it for life, or else! This only contributes to more mistrust among the community and in law enforcement and more addiction. Who benefits here? There's much more misconduct by police here, but this is a shock to the conscience when you finally see what's really going on. Together we can make changes that improve all of our lives and overall well-being. What are we waiting for? 

We, the undersigned, demand an immediate end to the alleged practice of law enforcement officers exploiting vulnerable individuals, specifically those struggling with addiction and in recovery. Disturbing reports suggest that certain officers are actively undermining the recovery efforts of individuals by coercing or manipulating them into seeking and selling drugs for investigative purposes.

This alleged conduct is not only morally reprehensible but also deeply counterproductive to public safety and the well being of our communities. Instead of upholding their duty to protect and serve, these reported tactics appear to be exploiting the fragility of individuals striving for sobriety, dragging them back into the cycle of addiction, and furthering criminal activity rather than combatting it. 

This represents a severe breach of public trust and, if true, constitutes a profound abuse of power. It directly undermines the tireless efforts of individuals in recovery and the organizations dedicated to helping them rebuild their lives. Furthermore, it creates a dangerous environment where those who most need support are instead targeted for exploitation, perpetuating a cycle of harm and despair.

We call upon the Houghton county sheriff's department, Houghton City Police department and the Michigan State Police to: 

1.) launch an immediate and thorough investigation into all allegations of police officers coercing or manipulating individuals struggling with addiction into drug related activities. 

2.) hold all officers found to be engaging in such practices accountable for their actions, including appropriate disciplinary measures and, if warranted, criminal prosecution.

3.) implement mandatory, comprehensive training for all law enforcement personnel on the complexities of addiction and recovery, emphasizing ethical conduct and the importance of supporting individuals in their sobriety. 

4.) establish strict, transparent guidelines and oversight mechanisms to prevent exploitation of vulnerable individuals by law enforcement.

Our law enforcement agencies should be a source of help and protection, not a catalyst for relapse and further harm. We must ensure the rights and well being of all citizens, especially the most vulnerable among us, are respected and safeguarded.

I urge the residents of Houghton County and beyond to sign this petition to demand action. We must ensure that vulnerable individuals, particularly those battling addiction, are not exploited by those sworn to protect them. By coming together, we can advocate for a more just and compassionate approach to policing in our community. Your signature can make a difference, bringing awareness and change to this vital issue. Sign now to make your voice heard.