Spanish Fork officer has drug arrests on the rise

SPANISH FORK — Spanish Fork doesn't have the reputation as a hotbed of drug-related crime — and officials want to keep it that way.

Two months ago, Spanish Fork officials created a new position on their police force to attack the illicit drug trade in the city. As a result, drug-related arrests are on the rise and people in south Utah County have one more resource to provide information about how to help substance abusers.

Spanish Fork Police detective Phil Nielsen doesn't go undercover to root out seedy drug dealers in run-down meth houses.

Nielsen tries to curb drug use before it even hits the street by educating anyone who will listen about illicit drug use. He's become a common sight both on the street and in schools.

"School kids and drug users know who he is," said Spanish Fork Police Sgt. Richard Hales.

Nielson has adopted a high profile in the south Utah County city.

That's so that friends and family members who suspect — or even know with certainty — that loved ones are abusing drugs know where to turn if they need help, Hales said.

Nielsen, a five-year veteran of the police force, also coordinates with other officers and works with Utah County Major Crimes Task Force in breaking up narcotic rings.

"He's made 13 (drug-related) arrests since the first of September — him alone," Hales said.

Last year during September and October, regular police made about 25 drug arrests.

This year during those two months the numbers were similar, Hales said, except Nielsen's arrests were in addition to drug-related arrests the department made.

Having the "drug cop" around has loosened tongues, too.

"We've noticed a lot more drug information coming in from high school students and older folks," Hales said. "There's just a lot more intelligence."

The greater effort in focusing and targeting specific areas and individuals has led to more search warrants and arrests, he said.

One of the support groups Nielsen has worked with — Parents Against Narcotics in the Community (PANIC) — brings in experts to help those struggling to help a loved one who is addicted.