MARIETTA, BELPRE WON'T JOIN COUNTY DRUG TASK FORCE

MARIETTA - A multi-jurisdictional drug task force proposed by the
Washington County Sheriff's Office won't become a reality in the near future.

Belpre officials said they could not contribute because the cost of hiring
an officer to replace the one that would have gone to the task force would
be too great when coupled with expenses for equipment and operating funds,
said police Chief Ira Walker. "It's not that we don't wish to; it's just
that we can't afford to," Walker said. "Our first obligation is to cover
the streets and protect the citizens. When I cut one loose to go to the
task force, that takes one off the streets."

Marietta soon followed suit because, without Belpre, it would have to
absorb half the cost of the task force instead of one-third, said Chief
Brett McKitrick.

"We just can't afford 50 percent," McKitrick said. "We still want to work
together. That's what we've done in the past and what we'll continue to do."

The plan was subsequently axed for the time being.

Washington County Sheriff Bob Schlicher said the news was disheartening
because there is dire need of a multi-jurisdictional task force in the
county, as indicated by a recent federal survey. The survey report
suggested the formation of a task force.

In addition to methamphetamine run-off from Wood County, Washington County
has a significant problem with crack cocaine and cocaine, Schlicher said.
There also is a heroin problem in the county, but it seems to be confined
to Marietta, he said.

Last year, the sheriff's department didn't investigate many drug cases, but
Schlicher noted there was a significant increase in other serious crimes,
resulting in most of the investigators' efforts being drawn away from
narcotics.

There were several armed robberies and a significant number of sex-related
crimes involving children, Schlicher said.

However, drug investigation no longer will take the back burner at the
sheriff's department, Schlicher said. Reorganization will take place to
allow two investigators to work drug cases full time.

This is a start, but a multi-jurisdictional task force would have been more
effective, Schlicher said.

"I think the biggest benefit would have been the sharing of information,"
Schlicher said. "When you have officers dedicated to a specific
investigation, that investigation greatly benefits."

Schlicher cited the success of the Parkersburg Narcotics Task Force in
combating meth as an example of the effectiveness of a combined effort.

The PNTF was the model for Washington County's task force.

"That's probably been the longest-standing and most successful task force
I've ever seen," Schlicher said.

Still, he said he understands why the other cities cannot participate in a
task force for Washington County.

"I think there is no question that every government agency has had to
tighten their belts. Everybody has limited resources," Schlicher said.
"They've had to put their priorities in line. It's not my place to set
Belpre's and Marietta's priorities."

Walker said Belpre's drug problems are no different than any other city.
McKitrick said the three agencies still can effectively combat drugs by
working together without absorbing the extra cost of a multi-jurisdictional
task force.

Schlicher estimated the program would cost $120,000-$150,000 for start-up
and its first year of operation.