Pubdate: Sat, 23 Jul 2005 Source: Clanton Advertiser, The (AL) Copyright: 2005 Clanton Advertiser Contact: http://www.clantonadvertiser.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1742 WELCOME COUNTY'S NEW DRUG/CRIME UNIT Since its inception a little less than one month ago, Chilton County's new Drug/Violent Crime Task Force has already taken a substantial chunk out of the county's drug traffickers and users. With manpower dedicated only to handling drug and violent crime cases, the county stands a better chance than ever to combat the United States' ever-growing drug problem. The project is a joint venture with the Sheriff's Office and Clanton Police Department with Jemison and Maplesville expected to sign on soon. The drug scene is always changing and it's going to take men and women specially trained in that field to combat that problem and adapt with the drug world as it changes. Regular officers are perfectly capable of finding drugs as a part of their routine patrols, but those whose manpower is dedicated to nothing but curbing the drug problem can focus more time and attention than other officers can. Now, a drug arrest doesn't have to stop with one arrest. With more investigating manpower, the county can trace those drugs back nearly to the plant or chemicals they were derived from, making arrests all along the way. As this task force develops it can only gain strength, and as it gains strength the public should notice a dramatic improvement in many of its neighborhoods. We all stand to benefit from this new task force as drug abusers and pushers are snatched off of our county's streets and stuffed into county and city jails. These men and women need our support as they are doing us all a favor. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth