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.