DRUG TASK FORCE: FEDERAL FUNDING NEEDED

Public Safety Commissioner George Phillips was right to reverse a
recommendation to cut funding for the state's largest narcotics task force.

A committee appointed by Phillips earlier turned down a $228,000
grant application for the North Central Narcotics Task Force, citing
a cut in federal funding to the state.

The U.S. Department of Justice cut the state's funding from $5.3
million to about $2 million, saying money was shifted from drugs to
homeland security needs.

That is a shortsighted shift in priorities, especially for rural
states like Mississippi. Much crime is driven by drugs, as Phillips
points out. Federal funding is needed for this overwhelming task.

Second District U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Bolton, will be assuming
chairmanship of the Homeland Security Committee and says he supports
restoring the law enforcement grant funding.

That would help Mississippi do what it must to fight drugs.