HUTCHINSON, Kan. — As in most communities, cutting down on drug use and crimes involving drugs or mental illness is a big concern.

When he came to Hutchinson last October, Police Chief Jeffrey Hooper didn’t realize how bad those problems are:

 

Hooper says there should be a place — other than jail — to take those who need help. He says there is a group in town studying the issue:

 

Chief Hooper says residents generally don’t want to invest for such things, but believes it could save money for residents in the long run:

 

Chief Hooper says the department will try to figure out how to fund such a facility or program.