ESSER: MUCH OF DTF FUNDING COMES FROM FORFEITURES, SEIZURES

District Attorney Rick Esser wants the public to know that while the
11th Judicial District is presently able to continue its funding of
officers with the Bartlesville Police Department, a large part of
that funding comes from forfeitures and seizures.

"We anticipated that at some point the federal funds might run out so
we have tried to actively pursue the forfeiture of seized properties
used in the distribution of drugs," said Esser. "This will allow us
somewhat of a cushion but with the loss in federal funding we may not
be able to put as many officers on the street with the Drug Task Force."

Law enforcement officials across the state are concerned by possible
repercussions of a recently passed Congressional funding bill that
will cut the Byrne Justice Assistance Grant funds by two thirds.

According to reports, Oklahoma will face a reduction from $4.1
million in 2007 to just $1.3 million in 2008 for drug control
efforts. The Byrne JAG grant helps fund multi-jurisdictional task
forces and recently the OBN Mobile Operations Team. Currently, the
grant funds 22 drug task forces in Oklahoma including Washington
County's 11th Judicial District Drug task force.

Critics say the cut may cause the number of drug task forces to dip
below 10 statewide.

Esser said the efficiency with which the local Drug Task Force is
managed is in large part due to the collaborative effort between his
office and the different law enforcement agencies involved.

"We have a contract with most law enforcement agencies in the two
counties where we can share some of the money from assets seized,"
said Esser. "We have used the money on training, equipment, vehicles
and other needed tools. The Bartlesville Police Department and Chief
Tom Holland is a close ally in this DTF arrangement and we have
appreciated the cooperation we have received from Sheriff Pat Ballard
of Washington County and Sheriff Jim Hallett of Nowata County."

2007 Activity - 11th Judicial District Drug Task Force:

- -- 200 drug investigations initiated resulting in over 70
arrests

- -- $252,144 in cash seized

- -- 10 cars

- -- 6,000 doses of hydrocodone

- -- 2,000 doses of diazepam

- -- 98 pounds of marihuana

- -- 3.75 pounds of crystal methamphetamine

- -- 1.5 pounds of crack cocaine

- -- 450 marihuana plants