Pubdate: Fri, 24 Jun 2005
Source: Joplin Globe, The (MO)
Copyright: 2005 The Joplin Globe
Contact:  http://www.joplinglobe.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/859
Author: Melissa DeLoach

AGENCIES LEAVE TASK FORCE

Board Accepts Voluntary Removals Of Three Departments

NEOSHO, Mo. - Newton County Sheriff Ken Copeland said he is 
optimistic his agency's exit from the Southwest Missouri Drug Task 
Force will be a positive move for the county.

On Thursday, the Newton County Sheriff's Department and the Neosho 
and Aurora police departments voluntarily removed themselves from the 
task force's roster.

The sheriff's department received $10,000 - the amount it contributes 
annually - at the time of its departure. It was not known if the 
other departments would receive a share of the money they contribute. 
Neither department had representatives present at the meeting 
Thursday, said Copeland who had been chairman of the 
multijurisdictional task force governing board.

Newton County also provided space for the task force and supplies, a 
secretary and a supervisor to oversee the day-to-day operations. The 
task force's headquarters will be moved to Barry County, Copeland said.

"We certainly wish them well and hopefully they will continue making 
drug cases, but at this time we'll continue to work with our unit."

He said the department has two full-time investigators devoted to 
drug activity.

The multijurisdictional task force is supported by state and federal 
grants matched by its member agencies. Those remaining are the 
sheriff's departments in Lawrence, McDonald and Barry counties and 
the police departments of Cassville and Pierce City. Unlike 
traditional task forces, the Southwest Missouri Drug Task Force hires 
its own agents rather than using representatives from its member agencies.

Aurora police Chief Rick Batson and Neosho police Chief David 
McCracken both said the departure was an issue of manpower and 
resources for their departments.

McCracken said Neosho will continue to work closely with the 
sheriff's office. He said in the future, Neosho may consider aligning 
with another task force.

Batson said the Aurora Police Department has established its own 
narcotic unit, which Batson said should be able to handle the 
activity in the area.

"We certainly would love to cooperate, but it was a matter of (the 
task force) being spread too thin."
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MAP posted-by: Beth