With our growing drug problem in Hawai'i, simply relying on someone else, namely our police officers, to combat the problem is no longer acceptable, nor is it enough. To effectively rid our neighborhoods of crime, especially drugs, community involvement is essential.

We saw the key role that residents can play in law enforcement last week when 75 police officers swept six Wai'anae Coast beaches and arrested 18 people suspected of dealing drugs. There were 48 criminal charges, 20 of which were meth-related. Had community members not phoned in their complaints and tips, the two-month investigation might have never taken place.

It also sets a precedent for other communities.

A similar drug raid, which netted 12 arrests at three apartment units in Wahiawa in August 2005, was a result of tips from the community as well. Time and time again, community involvement has proven to be an effective means of fighting crime.

Yet in many communities around the nation, as well as in our state, residents are reluctant to get involved for fear of retribution. That's why the Honolulu Police Department has made it possible to make anonymous complaints by going to their Web site. Included online is a hot line where you can leave an anonymous tip for specific complaints such as graffiti and drugs.

And a case doesn't end once a tip is made. Cooperating in the prosecution of a criminal is just as important, such as testifying as a witness or pressing charges once a suspect is caught.

There are ways that residents can pull together to prevent crime from happening, such as joining the Neighborhood Security Watch program, sponsored by the Honolulu Police Department.

A benefit of living in our society is being able to rely on those whose job it is to protect and serve us. By getting involved, we give them the tools they need to do just that.