GRAYSON URGED TO REPLACE OFFICER

City Votes To Stay In FADE's Grant Program

GRAYSON Grayson wants to stay involved with a regional drug task force's
grant program, but hasn't yet decided to help fund an officer for it.

Council members heard Tuesday from FIVCO Area Drug Enforcement (FADE) task
force chairman Bob Jessie.

A FADE officer whose salary the city had been partly covering retired last
week, Jessie said. Member cities and counties pay half, while a grant
awarded to FADE covers the other half.

"I hope you will replace him," he said. "I heard Grayson may be dropping
out, and I hope you don't."

FADE is a multi-jurisdictional task force whose member agencies also
include: the Flatwoods, Raceland, Russell and West Liberty police
departments, the Carter County and Elliott County sheriff's departments;
and the commonwealth's attorney for the 37th judicial district counties of
Carter, Elliott and Morgan.

Since July 1, FADE opened 120 cases - 93 in Carter County and 30 of those
inside Grayson city limits, Jessie said.

Officers executed four search warrants here last month, he said. Drugs
offenses investigated includes those related to crack cocaine,
methamphetamines, Oxycontin trafficking and marijuana.

"I could go on and on ... but the thing I really want to convey to you is
we really care about your community and our guys are working hard," Jessie
said. "I know the financial situation is not good. It's pretty much the
same with most members. But it reaps a lot of benefits."

Councilman Sherman Berry agreed the numbers show Grayson has recently
benefited from being a FADE member, but asked for more Grayson data from
the past.

"I've had questions over the years on what the city has gotten from this,"
Berry said. "I don't think there's a problem, I just want to see."

Jessie said he will send printouts, but guessed Tuesday that the numbers,
such as cases and arrests, will be "astronomical."

FADE is not the answer to drug problems in a community "but the guys who
work these cases keep the hounds from the door," he added.

Other council members asked for more information about FADE itself,
including how it receives tips and what happens if the city doesn't
participate.

It investigates drug activity reported by police chiefs and other agencies,
as well as through anonymous tips, Jessie said.

"I won't say we wouldn't be in here doing cases," he said, referring to
what happens if the city pulls out.

But, FADE would likely have to drop responding to some Grayson cases in
favor of those from other agencies that provide officers, he said.

Grayson Police Chief Keith Hill said his department couldn't handle the 30
drug cases now, for example, amid all the theft, criminal complaints and
traffic duties it has now.

Councilman Gary Salyer called having half the salary of a drug enforcement
officer paid through FADE a good deal.

Grayson had been covering half of $9.53 an hour, officials said.

Mayor Leda Dean said she didn't think the city has an officer it can send
now, as the department's already short-handed.

Berry expressed further concern that Grayson must also provide its officer
a car, but said he thought the city could start some of the hiring
processes while waiting on Jessie's reports.

The council unanimously approved a motion to stay in FADE's grant program,
as well as to start looking for a replacement officer.