Pubdate: Sat, 01 Jan 2005
Source: Sun News (Myrtle Beach, SC)
Copyright: 2005 Sun Publishing Co.
Contact:  http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/mld/sunnews/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/987
Note: apparent 150 word limit on LTEs
Author: Emma Ritch

NARCOTICS TASK FORCE FACES DELAY FOR EXPANSION

Solicitor Proposes Drug-Treatment Court

Rock Hill's veteran drug task force has inspired 15th Circuit Solicitor 
Greg Hembree to expand the capabilities of a proposed narcotics squad for 
Horry and Georgetown counties.

The expansion means a delay in the establishment of the squad that will 
combat drug-related crime across county and city lines, but Hembree says it 
will make the force more effective when it starts up, likely in early February.

"It's changed, but it's changed for the better," Hembree said.

The task force, which Hembree brought to Myrtle Beach City Council in the 
fall, would eliminate the city or county borders that can hinder police 
investigations, Hembree said.

The biggest change to the original proposal is the addition of a 
drug-treatment court, in which criminals can receive guidance and 
supervision while they quit doing drugs instead of receiving prison time. 
That court could be in place by February, Hembree said.

Hembree said he also hopes to incorporate a larger geographic area than he 
first expected. He planned to start in Horry County and later expand to 
Georgetown, but after observing Rock Hill's force, he decided involving all 
areas at the start was best.

Georgetown Sheriff Lane Cribb said he looks forward to the added strength 
and scope of the task force that will add to his office's previous 
successes working with other agencies.

He said the drug court could help identify which criminals need help 
instead of prison time and "distinguish between a real dealer and an addict 
who's dealing for his habit."

When addicts plead guilty to any crime and are sentenced to prison, their 
sentences can be suspended upon completion of drug court. Hembree likened 
it to a strict probation in which criminals report to a judge weekly, 
undergo drug tests, and possibly attend Narcotics Anonymous or complete 
community service.

The judge can sentence them to prison if unsatisfied with their progress, 
Hembree said.

"It's a court that's built on treatment," Hembree said. "If they don't have 
the addiction, they're not breaking in your car, they're not breaking in 
your house."

Lt. Kelly Lovelace of the York County Sheriff's office said the initial 
setup of the task force took a number of meetings with the agencies involved.

"Once we've got going, it's gone very smoothly," she said. "It's worked 
very well for everyone except the drug dealers."

Lovelace, a commander with the drug task force in Rock Hill, said that 
because the force targets all drug-related crimes, the officers have a 
chance to investigate all types of offenses, including murder 
investigations, internal affairs, alcohol investigations and prostitution.

Hembree said the next step will bring Rock Hill representatives to the 
Grand Strand to help with the transition.

A delegation that included Myrtle Beach City Councilwoman Judy Rodman 
visited Rock Hill's facility this month.

Rodman said consolidation of services will make law enforcement less 
expensive for municipal governments.

"I really feel that cooperation between the city, the county, the whole 
area is just vital to our success in tourism and growth and appealing to 
the people," Rodman said. "The bottom line is eliminating the drug trade."
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