In an attempt to combat the drug issues in the community, the Albert Lea Police Department has created a drug tip hot line and e-mail address where people can report suspected drug activity.

Officer Ted Herman said the hot line number, 377-5261, will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Callers will be directed to an answering machine, and assigned officers will check the calls daily.

Calls will not be tracked, but if people want to leave their names, they can choose to do so, he said.

“It’s not a necessity, but it does help if you’re willing to put your name,” Herman said. That way, officers can follow up with the caller if needed.

In addition to the hot line, people can send an e-mail about suspected drug activity to drugtiphotline@co.freeborn.mn.us. E-mails will not be tracked.

Herman said people reporting are encouraged to give as many details as known.

This could include what kind of activity is taking place, the dealer’s name, nickname, physical description, phone number and address. They can also describe the dealer’s vehicle, make, model and license plate, the location and frequency of the drug activity and any known details about associates of the suspect.

“Let’s work together as a community to put this problem behind us,” Herman said.

The city’s Web site also has an online form where people can report drug activity.

This can be found by going to www.cityofalbertlea.org and then clicking on the Departments tab to pull up the Police Department’s page.

The contact form is on the main page of the department.