Repeat drug- and alcohol-related offenses a drain on the system

Editor's note: This is the first of a two-part series on the issue of repeat offenders with drug and alcohol problems. Watch for Part 2 in Friday's edition of The Havre Daily News.

Repeat arrests of people with alcohol and drug abuse problems has been an issue in this region for many years, Havre Police Chief Gabe Matosich said, and has played a role in increased crime rates and domestic abuse.

Although law enforcement and the court system have been working to combat the issue, more work needs to be done, he said.

"Very seldom do we work an incident where drug and alcohol are not a part of it,...