U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly was in Columbus on Tuesday. During his visit, Donnelly stopped by the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Office.

Judy Jackson, department spokesperson, says that Sheriff Matt Myers, Chief Deputy Maj. Chris Lane and Senator Donnelly discussed the war on drugs in Bartholomew County. Specifically, the trio talked about the heroin and methamphetamine problem. Jackson says that Myers spoke about his decision to place a local deputy in Indianapolis to work directly with the Drug Enforcement Administration, noting the benefits that Bartholomew and surrounding counties are seeing because of this relationship.

Jackson says that the trio also discussed the increase in jail populations due to mental health and substance abuse issues, along with the need for treatment facilities. In addition, she says the three talked about the importance of lifting restrictions on asset forfeitures as a way to benefit law-enforcement agencies facing budget issues.

“Senator Donnelly is a champion for public safety and he is extremely supportive of our Sheriff’s office,” said Sheriff Myers. “The Senator, or members of his staff, are frequent visitors to BCSO and we certainly appreciate this close working relationship”, added Myers.