JOINT UNIT AIMS TO TACKLE CRIME

Law enforcement and citizens face a common challenge. Violent crime and
drugs are real concerns for both and tough to tackle.

An initiative is under way in northeastern Louisiana that seeks to help
make a dent in both drugs and violent crime.

Some local agencies and the FBI are pooling their resources to combat the
problem through the Northeast Louisiana Gang Task Force, part of a national
safe streets endeavor. It's an interesting collaboration of FBI expertise
and information and local manpower - funded with federal dollars.

We commend the cooperative effort, especially if it truly can make a
measurable difference.

"Violent crime has a debilitating effect on communities," said James
Bernazzani, special agent in charge of the New Orleans FBI office, while
announcing the task force in Monroe on Thursday. "The genesis of violent
crime, in part, is the drug trade. Historically, these types of
partnerships have proven effective."

The West Monroe Police Department along with sheriffs' offices from East
Carroll, Jackson, Madison, Tensas and Union parishes have partnered in the
program. The crime unit will also work with established regional units such
as Metro Narcotics, which focuses on Ouachita Parish. That's good.

The potential is there to have an impact. Law enforcement officials say the
drug traffic continues to grow along Interstate 20, which cuts through the
heart of the region.

Drugs and violent crimes also aren't just destined for big cities. More
rural areas experience criminal activity and have limited resources.

"Hopefully, this will allow us to pull resources together and do things we
can't do ourselves," said East Carroll Sheriff Mark Shumate.

We like to see the spirit of cooperation in our region to accomplish a
common goal.

Our communities and citizens benefit if this task force can help get the
criminal element and drugs off the street.