NATCHEZ — Adams County officials say citizens are able assistants in the fight against criminal activity.

“Since the (drug bust Wednesday) night, I’ve received several tips on different things, and I think people are understanding that we are trying to do something about the drug problem here in Adams County,” Metro Narcotics Commander David Lindsey said.

Lindsey said one of the most important surveillance techniques a citizen can use is his or her sense of sight.

“(Residents) should look for vehicles that they don’t normally see in the area. They can also look for people they don’t normally see, and usually it’s later at night when this happens,” Lindsey said.

Lindsey said when it comes to street-corner drug trades, people should be suspicious when they see individuals standing on street corners flagging down vehicles only to talk briefly before the vehicle drives away.

“(Residents) can also look for cars driving around their neighborhoods at odd times, like 3 a.m., just cruising around,” Lindsey said.

Adams County Sheriff Chuck Mayfield said people should be aware of increases in traffic in their neighborhood, whether it’s on the road or people coming in and out of one building.

According to Mayfield, most of a person’s five senses can be used in recognizing suspicious activity.

“Anytime you smell strong chemicals, a lot of times (the people in the house) are cooking meth,” Mayfield said.

Lindsey said houses don’t necessarily have to be lived in to attract drug traffic.

“You know something is wrong when people hang out at abandoned houses,” Lindsey said. “A lot of times those are used as stash houses.”

Lindsey said gangs are also an indicator of illegal activity.

“Normally when you have gangs in an area, there are going to be drugs,” Lindsey said.

According to Lindsey, Adams County gangs know no race, creed or age.

“It’s not just the usual Crips, Bloods and Black Gangster Disciples — there are white gangs too,” Lindsey said. “We’re aware of a white gang known as the 601s.”

Lindsey said gang members often wear bandanas — blue, black or red — as head wraps or hang the bandanas out of their back pants pocket.

“Some (gang members) tattoo the name of their gangs on their bodies,” Lindsey said.

But one of the easiest ways for someone to monitor the area he or she lives in is through listening, Lindsey said.

“Just listen to your teenage children talk. They know a whole lot more about that kind of stuff than their parents do.”

Lindsey said if anyone has tips for Metro Narcotics agents, they shouldn’t have to worry about their personal safety.

“We don’t use people’s names when they call us and give us tips. They remain anonymous. If someone thinks there is something going on, they can call us,” Lindsey said. “We’ll investigate all tips we receive.

“If the neighborhoods and neighbors would get together and fight this thing, the good neighbors would outweigh the bad, and they could make a difference,” Lindsey said.

To submit tips, call the sheriff’s office at 601-442-2752 or Miss-Lou Crime Stoppers at 601-442-5000.