DRUG WAR

The attempt to mount a coordinated police effort against drug traffic
across Northeast Tarrant County is crumbling. It still exists, but only a
handful of communities are participating. And just when the drug world is
growing stronger and claiming more victims, the agency that was put
together to lead drug law enforcement in our communities has gotten weaker.

The Northeast Tarrant County Drug Task Force is part of the 11-year-old
Tarrant County Narcotics Intelligence and Coordination Unit. It was set up
to unite drug-fighting efforts by police in 11 cities: Bedford,
Colleyville, Euless, Grapevine, Haltom City, Hurst, Keller, North Richland
Hills, Richland Hills, Southlake and Watauga.

Three other federal and state drug task forces are in the area, but the
Northeast Tarrant County unit has been expected to lead most area drug
investigations.

Support for the unit has dwindled. The problem is not money -- that comes
mostly from grants -- but people. Only six cities -- Bedford, Euless,
Grapevine, Haltom City, Hurst and Watauga -- have officers assigned to the
unit, giving it six full-time investigators working cases in the 11-city area.

North Richland Hills this week withdrew the officer it had assigned to the
unit, deciding instead to set up a three-officer drug fighting team within
its own police force.

Drug traffic in Northeast Tarrant County does not respect city limits. It
is essential that police efforts against it be coordinated, with
information shared and no duplication of effort. The Northeast Tarrant
County Drug Task Force could provide that coordination. If that is not to
be, then area police officials must unite to find a better way.

Checked-by: Richard Lake