Pubdate: Fri, 27 Sep 2002
Source: High Point Enterprise (NC)
Copyright: 2002 High Point (N.C.) Enterprise
Contact:  http://www.hpe.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/576
Author:  Kelly Kramp

SHERIFFS UNITE TO FIGHT CRIME

A new law enforcement task force, slated to begin in January, will give six 
Triad sheriff's offices a new crime fighting tool. "Operation SuperStar" 
will give the Guilford, Rockingham, Alamance, Forsyth, Davidson and 
Randolph county Sheriff's Departments the chance to fight crime across 
county lines, targeting major drug operations and other large crime rings.

SuperStar was announced Thursday at the Guilford County Sheriff's Office 
during a meeting that included BJ Barnes, Rockingham County Sheriff Sam 
Page, Randolph County Sheriff Litchard Hurley, Davidson County Sheriff 
Gerald Hege, Forsyth County Sheriff candidate Bill Schatzman and Alamance 
County Sheriff candidate Terry Johnson. Barnes said the task force will 
give the departments a specialized focus and increased resources against crime.

"Oftentimes, we can't get to the big guys because we don't have the money 
and manpower, but if we pool our resources we can work the major cases," 
Barnes said.

One officer from each department will be assigned to the task force, which 
will focus solely on targeting drugs and crime. Barnes said follow-ups and 
court cases will be handled by a detective with the department where the 
operation occurred.

He said each of the departments individually has similar teams dedicated to 
specific efforts, but the task force can work across county lines, 
targeting larger operations.

"What will probably happen is each county will come up with a couple people 
they want to target but they will work as a team," Barnes said.

The Guilford County Sheriff's Department is also a part of a 
multi-jurisdictional task force that includes other local and federal law 
enforcement agencies.

Barnes said Operation SuperStar will differ from the federal task force 
because the efforts will be in the Triad.

The idea for the task force began with a conversation among officials from 
three departments and spread into a Triad initiative.

"We feel now is the time, and there is definitely a need," Barnes said.

SuperStar's first goal will be drug operations, but it will be involved in 
any major crimes.

Barnes said in Guilford County, crack-cocaine and crystal meth are the two 
biggest drug problems.
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