SHELBY DRUG FIGHT GETTING NEW LIFE

$240,000 ADECA Grant Will Revive Multi-Agency Unit

Shelby County, which lost its drug task force four years ago when
state funding disappeared, will receive the money it needs to
resurrect the team, Sheriff Chris Curry said.

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs will provide
the Sheriff's Department with a $240,000 grant for a multi-agency unit
to fight all types of illegal drug activity, Curry said. The Shelby
County Commission will provide $80,000 in matching money.

ADECA stopped funding the task force in late 1999 after supporting it
for eight years. Some county officials said at the time that they
suspected the decision was political, which state officials denied.

In recent months, law enforcement agencies in Shelby County have
reported seeing an increase in methamphetamine activity and
prescription-drug crimes.

The task force will consist of four members from the Sheriff's
Department, two police officers from Alabaster and one officer each
from Montevallo, Pelham and Columbiana, Curry said. The Shelby County
District Attorney's Office will provide a prosecutor to assist the
task force, he said.

The sheriff said he hopes to have the team assembled by Jan. 20, but
it will take some time to take care of details such as office space
before the work actually begins.

"We're pleased to get in business," Curry said.

Ken Burchfield, who worked 13 years with the Hoover Police Department,
will serve as task force commander.

Burchfield had been employed in the private sector for the past two
years, Curry said. He started work with Shelby County about a month
ago. The task force's responsibilities will include initiating
investigations, assisting other law enforcement agencies, collecting
evidence, sharing information and providing training.

The group will work on crimes related to prescription drugs such as
Oxycontin and Lortab, as well as illegal narcotics such as cocaine,
heroin, marijuana and crystal methamphetamine, Curry said.

He said the task force will have a visible presence, working to
educate and inform the community about ways to help stop the demand
for drugs.

"They're going to be cutting off the supply," Curry
said.

He said the task force is going to need help from churches,
businesses, schools, civic groups, parents and neighborhood
associations.

Capt. Tommy Thomas of the Pelham Police Department said the original
unit was successful during its eight-year run, and he believes it will
be just as effective this time around.

A multi-jurisdictional task force is useful because, most of the time,
people participating in drug activity are hopping from city to city,
Thomas said. "Drug dealers don't know city borders, or county borders,
for that matter."

Alabaster Mayor David Frings said he's pleased his city can commit two
officers to the task force. "It's better if you join forces," he said.