As we continue to hear about cities and counties around the country that refuse to work with the feds when it comes to illegal immigrants, Jupiter Police Chief Frank Kitzerow says his officers treat everyone the same way.
"Anyone that we take into physical custody, we ask them all the same questions: We want to know if they have a drivers license and what state is that drivers license. Do they have a Social Security number? Do they have an INS number? What's your place of birth? What's your citizenship?"
If someone turns out to be here illegally, the chief says his department notifies ICE.
We also spoke about the opioid epidemic. Through June of this year, there have been 82 overdoses in Jupiter, five of them fatal. That's up from 50 in all of 2016, resulting in 12 deaths.
Here are the numbers from the past three years, regarding overdoses in Jupiter:
2015: 9 overdoses overall - 2 fatal
2016: 50 overdoses overall - 12 fatal
2017 (through June 30): 82 overdoses overall - 5 fatal
Chief Kitzerow:
"It's important for people to recognize that this is not just a police problem. It involves mental health, the medical community, we partner with the State Attorney's office, for example, on the Sober Homes Task Force and we're in constant communication on that."
The chief also spoke about the need for residents to protect themselves from I.D. theft, fraud and cyber crime.
The Jupiter Police Dept. is holding a "Coffee With a Cop" event on Monday, Aug. 10 at the Jupiter Community Center, which is located at 200 Military Trail, right across from the police station.
It's a chance to meet Chief Kitzerow and officers, and ask any questions you may have regarding law enforcement...and enjoy a free cup of coffee with the folks protecting you and your neighbors.
Photo: Tetra images RF