HIGHLAND COUNTY, OH — The Highland County Task Force (HCTF), an agency committed to solving crimes and eradicating drugs in the community, is facing sharp criticism after a recent social media post sparked concern among recovery advocates and residents.
On Friday, November 22, the HCTF posted on Facebook: “I’m from Ohio, where people don’t know how to drive on ice, but know how to smoke it,” accompanied by a laughing emoji. The post, which was intended as a joke, quickly drew backlash from recovery advocates and members of the public, many of whom found it insensitive to the struggles of individuals battling addiction.
One advocate described the post as lacking professionalism, particularly from an agency tasked with addressing addiction issues. “The little laughing emoji shows that our law enforcement is not taking addiction, and the plight of those struggling, seriously,” they said.
The criticism underscores concerns about how law enforcement agencies communicate on social media. Advocates argue that addiction is a sensitive issue, and humor, especially at the expense of those affected, undermines efforts to foster trust and collaboration between the community and law enforcement.
The HCTF operates under the Highland County Prosecutor’s Office and is headed by two investigators with over 60 years of combined law enforcement experience. Every law enforcement agency in the county is a member of the task force, working together to make the community safer by solving crimes and tackling drug-related issues.
The task force has been a vital resource in addressing drug-related crime in Highland County. However, the controversy surrounding the post has cast a shadow over its efforts.
Since it was posted, the comment has garnered significant attention on social media, with a mix of reactions from humor to outrage. Some defended the task force’s lighthearted tone, while others expressed concern that the post reflected a dismissive attitude toward addiction.
The post’s critics argue that it detracts from the task force’s mission. “Addiction is a disease,” one advocate emphasized. “Making jokes about it not only harms recovery efforts but also alienates the very people who might need the task force’s help.”
As of now, the HCTF has not issued a formal apology or comment regarding the post, nor has it been removed. The controversy raises larger questions about the balance between engaging the community through social media and maintaining professionalism, particularly for agencies dealing with sensitive public issues.
This is not the first controversial post from the task force. A scroll down their Facebook page reveals several memes related to addiction.
