Pubdate: Sun, 27 Apr 2008
Source: Jackson Sun News (TN)
Copyright: 2008 The Jackson Sun
Contact:  http://www.jacksonsun.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1482

COUNTY MUST FIND WAY TO FUND DRUG OFFICERS

Madison County Sheriff David Woolfork has requested  five new officers
be hired and assigned to the Metro  Narcotics Unit. County
commissioners sent the request  for review by the county budget
committee. Woolfork  should get the officers, and the sooner the better.

Commissioner Gary Deaton asked for the budget committee  review to
make certain the money is there to fund the  new officers. It's a
sensible request. But we would add  that it is up to the budget
committee to find the money  for this important improvement in public
safety and the  community's fight against crime.

The community is serious about curbing crime in  Jackson-Madison
County. It is arguably the No. 1 issue  for most residents. That
should put finding money for  the new officers at the top of the
budget committee's  list of things to do.

The increase in the size of Metro Narcotics was  recommended by the
Safe Neighborhoods Task Force. Ten  new officers were called for. Five
would come from the  Jackson Police Department and five from the
Madison  County Sheriff's Department. The Jackson City Council  has
already given its approval, contingent on the  county giving its approval.

Law enforcement officials claim 80 percent or more of  community crime
is connected to the illegal drug trade.  Jackson's location along
Interstate 40 makes it a  hotspot for illegal drug activity. It's a
situation  that can't be ignored. According to Woolfork, the
Narcotics Unit has been operating with a skeleton crew  for years.
Clearly, it is not enough given the  community's high crime rate.

City and county budgets are tight and the local economy  faces many
economic pressures. But fighting crime has  to be priority one. All of
the hard work done and  investments made to make Jackson-Madison
County a  desirable place to live, work and enjoy recreation
activities is endangered by the high crime rate.

The Safe Neighborhoods Task Force has come up with a  comprehensive
plan to clean up the city and fight  crime. Months were spent
investigating alternatives and  studying the best practices of
successful communities.  It would be foolish not to implement task
force  recommendations fully and give them every chance to  work.

Finding money to fund the new officers might not be  easy, but must be
done. The community demands it.
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MAP posted-by: Derek