MISS. LOSES ANTI-CRIME FUNDS

$474 Million Loss Nationwide Has Officials Worrying About Future

The loss this year of a $474 million federal grant program to combat drug
crimes nationwide has Mississippi law officers wondering how they will keep
up the fight in their communities.

The seven-member Smith County Sheriff's Department stands to lose $21,000
because federal Byrne Grants, which are intended for violent and
drug-related crimes, will be taken away from law enforcement programs and
diverted to homeland security programs.

"In a little rural county like ours, that almost cuts the drug agent out,"
Smith County Sheriff Charlie Crumpton said.

Hinds County Sheriff Malcolm McMillin said losing the money will affect
"not only drug enforcement but all enforcement."

In Hinds County, about $76,000 a year has been used to pay overtime.

Sheriff's spokesman Steve Pickett said, "When you cut from street and
narcotics sides, there will be fewer officers assigned to that, and few
hours worked. That will mean less enforcement."

Mississippi received a total $5.2 million last year.

Congress approved the funding changes earlier this year.

Third District U.S. Rep. Chip Pickering said he is working to find
replacement money.

"We're coordinating with the Mississippi Department of Public Safety to
find the best solution to these funding changes," he said. "We're also
working with the Department of Homeland Security to investigate whether
there are additional revenue sources that will offset these cuts."

Billy White, director of public safety planning with the DPS, notified
sheriffs across the state earlier this year of the cuts, saying, "All
agencies previously funded under the Byrne ... program will have to take
substantial cuts for the 2005 fiscal year."

He said cuts total 36 percent this year and no funding will be provided
next year.

The U.S. Department of Justice has created another grant fund intended to
replace the Byrne Grants. However, unlike Byrne money, the replacement
grants may be used for a variety of purposes.

Crumpton said the state and National Sheriff's Association have asked
Congress to reconsider the cuts or appropriate new money. Otherwise, he
said he doubts any funding will be able to offset the loss in his department.

"In our budget, that's more than 50 percent of one salary," he said. "Next
year, we'll have to absorb that 50 percent or let the drug agent go. With
the way narcotics are kicking us right now, I can't see doing that."