Pubdate: Fri, 20 Dec 2002
Source: Selma Times-Journal, The (AL)
Copyright: 2002 Selma Newspapers Inc.
Contact:  http://www.selmatimesjournal.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1389
Author: Alan Riquelmy

$190K RECEIVED TO FUND TASK FORCE

Gov. Don Siegelman has awarded a $190,000 grant that will be used to start 
a drug task force in the Black Belt.

According to District Attorney Ed Greene, the governor's office along with 
the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs has awarded the 
fourth judicial circuit a $190,000 grant that will be used to fight 
narcotics and illegal drugs.

Greene added that areas in the Fourth Circuit will also contribute funds to 
the task force pushing the budget up to $263,000.

Areas in the Fourth Circuit include Dallas, Perry, Hale, Bibb and Wilcox 
counties.

The grant became effective Dec. 1, Greene said, and the task force will be 
headed by Robert Henry, a veteran of the district attorney's office.

The grant was applied for by the district attorney's office in September of 
this year.

Greene added that first a grant proposal had to be written and submitted to 
the reviewing agency, ADECA, before the grant could be awarded.

The grant is for one year, Greene said, and he added that it would be 
reapplied for when it comes due.

Greene said that after a few problems had been worked out with the 
application it was approved by ADECA.

Henry said that the fourth circuit has a need for the task force because 
there is a tremendous amount of drug activity in this part of the state. 
Greene said that the drugs of choice in this area included both powdered 
and crack cocaine, marijuana and methamphetamines.

Henry said that small police departments don't have the manpower to set up 
long term operations because they're focusing on disturbance calls and the 
usual routine of Saturday night.

Greene added that law enforcement agencies would say that most serious 
crimes are drug based.

"Fragmented efforts are not as effective as a coordinated effort," Greene said.

That's where the drug task force comes in.

The grant will provide for personnel, equipment, vehicles and travel costs, 
Greene said.

He added that new surveillance equipment wouldn't have to be purchased 
since law enforcement agencies already have it and there's no need to 
duplicate.

The task force, Greene said, will impact drug trafficking in the fourth 
circuit and also make an impact on drug suppression including drug buys and 
search warrants.

Personnel, Greene said, will include four full-time employees. Two field 
agents, a secretary and Henry himself.

Henry said that an office for the task force has already been set up and 
personnel hired.

However, he added, things won't be in full swing until the new year.
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