TROOPER BEGINS PATROLLING EASTERN PART OF COUNTY

State Police began a new reign this week in the eastern end of the county
to crack down on drugs, while residents of Rand are organizing a
crime-fighting unit of their own.

Thanks to an agreement between the State Police and Metro 911, a trooper
began patrolling the eastern part of the county Monday. It's the first time
a trooper will be available full time to answer emergency calls in areas
from Quincy and Cabin Creek to Mammoth and Pond Gap.

The new dispatch agreement comes after a dispute between the Kanawha County
Commission and the Sheriff's Department about the best way to provide
police protection in areas such as Rand, where residents and law
enforcement officials say drug-related crime is on the rise.

The sheriff's department has asked for 10 new deputies, which would amount
to at least $400,000 in county funds.

Commissioners first want the sheriff's department to take advantage of
partnerships with the Metro Drug Unit and the State Police. The county's
911 system had stopped dispatching emergency calls to the State Police in
January, and the sheriff ended participation with the Metro Drug Unit in
May, citing a personnel shortage.

The commission has asked for a deputy to be reassigned immediately to the
drug unit and is coordinating with State Police to add a trooper to the
task force.

State Police Lt. Bob Richards said the effectiveness of any new officers in
the Rand area would depend on input from residents who see crime in their
backyards and on their street corners.

"We are trying to increase our presence in the area . . . and we're trying
to increase our response time as far as taking calls," Richards said. "But
if anyone has drug information or criminal information, that's going to be
helpful."

Residents in the community have been hesitant to come forward with
information about drug deals and drug-related crime because they fear
retaliation, said Don Hedrick, a lifelong resident of Rand and the new
president of the Community of Rand Association.

Hedrick's group, which has more than 40 members, now is working with the
Kanawha County Sheriff's Department to organize a Neighborhood Watch group
in the area. The first meeting is scheduled for Nov. 7 at the Rand
Community Center.

Members are hoping the group and the State Police trooper's presence will
stimulate community involvement and provide a link between law enforcement
officials and residents.

Richards said the State Police offers an anonymous tip line on its Web site
where residents can provide information about crimes without revealing
their identity or address.

Hedrick said he's not sure if all law enforcement agencies are "on the same
page" when it comes to assigning more police protection to Rand. He thinks
his community is caught in the midst of a territorial dispute that
ultimately affects the safety of residents.

"I grew up here . . . I've raised two boys here," Hedrick said. "At one
time, I never thought a thing about it if they weren't home after dark. If
I had kids now, I don't know what I would do. I wouldn't feel safe letting
them out in the day."

Richards said the State Police has been getting more calls about speeding
in Rand. Those complaints increased about two weeks ago after a hit-and-run
left one Rand woman dead.

The number of complaints about the openness of drug dealers in the area has
increased over the past year.

The police last week also began towing abandoned vehicles that give the
appearance people "aren't paying attention" to the community, troopers said.

Residents can provide anonymous tips to the State Police at
www.wvstatepolice.com.