NARCOTICS OFFICERS DESERVE MORE PAY

I write in response to the article ("Raise for hazardous duty proposed:
Narcotics agents: High risks, low pay," Oct. 15). I want to personally thank
Rep. John Reeves for his support in raising agents' pay.

Law enforcement is a low-paying and often unappreciated profession. Most of
us who choose this as a career do so because we truly want to make a
difference. We spend long hours and sometimes days away from our families.

Law enforcement officers often miss their children's school programs, their
spouses' birthdays, holidays, etc. We often go places where others would not
dare to go and are confronted with the worst of situations. We have to try
to educate the public about drugs, rally their support and cooperation, tell
parents that their children have been selling or using drugs, and explain to
children why we are taking their mommy and daddy to jail.

One truly has to have a desire and a passion to do this job. And, in a
society where law enforcement is not always held in high regard, it does our
hearts good that Rep. Reeves and others recognize the need to raise our pay.
I personally appreciate all of the support and efforts that have been given
in the effort to raise MBN agents' pay.

Leigh Wells Acting Agent in Charge Jackson District MS Bureau of Narcotics
Jackson