Pismo Explores Where To Spend Extra Money

POLICE TO REJOIN COUNTY NARCOTICS AGENCY AFTER SIX-YEAR ABSENCE

For the first time in nearly six years, Pismo Beach is about to join the
county Narcotics Task Force.

The citys proposed fiscal 1999-2000 budget includes $20,000 for Pismo police
to help fund and govern the task force.

Police Chief Dan Boon said it is time for Pismo to become a full member of
the agency that fights major drug trafficking in the county.

Pismo quit the task force in 1993-94 based on a staff recommendation, said
Boon, who joined the city in August 1995.

In the two years after the city quit, the departments relationship with NTF
and the participating agencies suffered greatly, he said.

The department started developing rapport with the task force in late 1995,
he said.

Pismo assigned an officer in 1998 to be a liaison with the task force,
attending intelligence briefings and sharing sensitive information on drug
trafficking, particularly in Pismo Beach, the chief said.

This officer has made tremendous strides in rebuilding a positive working
relationship with NTF, Boon said. The department now enjoys an excellent
working relationship with NTF and all participating agencies, he said.

The task force developed from a 1982 agreement between law enforcement
agencies in the county and the state Department of Justice.

The groups purpose is to investigate drug operations that are too big for
local law enforcement agencies to handle and to clean up dangerous
chemicals found at illegal drug laboratories.

Such cleanups can cost $6,000, Boon said.

Task-force operations are governed by a board composed of department heads
from all participating agencies.

Participating agencies already include Cal Poly, the California Highway
Patrol, county District Attorneys Office, state Bureau of Narcotic
Enforcement and the cities of Arroyo Grande, Atascadero, Grover Beach, Paso
Robles and San Luis Obispo.

The cities of Arroyo Grande, Atascadero, Paso Robles and San Luis Obispo
supply officers to the task force along with the District Attorney, highway
patrol and state narcotics bureau.

Agencies that cant afford to supply staff can participate through monetary
contributions such as Pismos.