FBI CHANGES PROMPT FEAR OF DRUG WAR WOES

MIAMI- Law enforcement officials nationwide, already strained by added
security work since Sept. 11, say the FBI's sweeping reorganization could
hamper their ability to fight drug traffickers and white-collar criminals.

Some authorities have urged the government to increase funding to local
agencies. Others say they're prepared to take on the FBI's responsibilities
in investigations into drug and gang activity, bank robberies and fraud.

"All the sheriffs in the country are making an extra effort and we'll
continue to do that," said Monroe County, Ga., Sheriff John Cary Bittick,
president of the National Sheriffs' Association. "I think it can be done,
and I think we're obligated to make it happen."

FBI Director Robert Mueller has proposed shifting hundreds of agents,
mostly from drug and white-collar crime investigations, to focus on
terrorism. A new assistant director, Louis F. Quijas, also is slated to
coordinate better relationships with state and local police.

The details of the changes won't be known until Congress approves the measure.

While law enforcement officials applauded the FBI for retooling its
mission, some question the costs to their agencies in manpower and resources.

"Now that the FBI is going to be focused on its core mission of terrorism,
I'm wondering how our state and local agencies are going to deal with
motorcycle gangs, narcotics trafficking and white-collar crime," Washington
State Patrol Chief Ronal Serpas said. "White collar crimes usually don't
usually occur in just one city or one county ... and the FBI has been
really helpful with that over the years."

Broward County, Fla., Sheriff Ken Jenne said the changes will create "a
gaping hole" in his agency's fight against drugs and white-collar crime.

In Chicago, Mayor Richard Daley warned last week that drug dealers are
terrorists and the city will suffer if the FBI pulls its resources.

FBI agent Hardrick Crawford Jr. of El Paso, Texas, said the reorganization
means the FBI must be more selective in targeting drug cases.

In the past, FBI agents have worked on unsolved crimes and investigated
identified groups, he said. He said his agents now have been told, "You
have to prevent. You have to neutralize. You have to predict."

He admits it won't be easy.

"It's humanly impossible to be flawless when an enemy is determined to
strike in a way and on a time of his own choosing," Crawford said.

The agency that will be most affected by the changes, the Drug Enforcement
Administration, said it will transfer agents to ensure there is no lag.

"The void that the FBI is going to leave in the war on drugs ... is going
to be immediately backfilled by the DEA," said DEA agent Osvaldo Amaro in
El Paso.

Smaller agencies with fewer officers may feel more of a pinch. In Peoria
County, Ill., Sheriff Chuck Schofield said the FBI provides crucial support
for fighting gang activity.

"I know they have big responsibilities, but I'd hate to have the
relationship affected," he said.

Rockford, Ill., Police Chief Jeff Nielsen said he envisions fewer arrests
on major drug cases the FBI works, but it may be a fair trade-off.

"While you wish they didn't have to (pull agents), you understand," Nielsen
said. "If a slightly lower arrest rate means they have a higher arrest rate
in terrorism, that's good."