ROCK HILL DRUG PROGRAM USED IN OTHER TOWNS

MYRTLE BEACH--The success of Rock Hill's drug task force has inspired prosecutor
Greg Hembree to expand a proposed narcotics squad for Horry and Georgetown
counties.

The move will delay the startup of the squad that will combat drug-related
crime across county and city lines along the Grand Strand, but Hembree says
the wait will make the force more effective.

The task force, which Hembree expects to begin in February, would eliminate
the city or county borders that can hinder police investigations, the
prosecutor said.

The biggest change to the original proposal is the addition of a
drug-treatment court, where criminals can receive guidance and supervision
while they quit drugs instead of receiving prison time.

Hembree had planned to start in Horry County and later expand to
Georgetown, but after observing Rock Hill's force, decided to involve all
areas at the start.

Georgetown Sheriff Lane Cribb said he looks forward to the strength the
task force will add to his office.

The drug court could help identify which criminals need help instead of
prison time and "distinguish between a real dealer and an addict who's
dealing for his habit," Cribb said.

When addicts plead guilty to any crime and are sentenced to prison, their
sentences can be suspended upon completion of drug court. Hembree likened
it to a strict probation in which criminals report to a judge weekly and
undergo drug tests.

The judge can sentence them to prison if unsatisfied with their progress,
Hembree said.

"It's a court that's built on treatment," Hembree said. "If they don't have
the addiction, they're not breaking in your car, they're not breaking in
your house."