SCOTT SHERIFF RECEIVES GRANT FOR METH OFFICER

BENTON, Mo. --The Scott County Sheriff's Department will use nearly
$100,000 in grant money to hire an investigator specifically to fight
methamphetamine.

Sheriff Bill Ferrell said the sheriff's office has been approved to receive
funding through the Missouri Sheriffs' Methamphetamine Relief Team Project.

The project, called the MoSMART program, aids sheriffs and rural drug task
forces in their fight against clandestine methamphetamine labs. The funds
may be used for personnel, training, equipment and prevention efforts.

Scott County was approved for $99,913 over a two-year period, which will be
used to fill the new position of Scott County methamphetamine officer.

Cape Girardeau County Sheriff John Jordan is project director for the
program, which is geared to help small, rural counties fight
methamphetamine. Usually under tight budget constraints, the counties can't
afford to fight methamphetamine effectively, Jordan said.

"The process was very competitive," Jordan said. "Requests for funding
exceeded funds available by $842,000."

Ferrell said the Scott County methamphetamine officer will work closely
with members of the Southeast Missouri Drug Task Force.

"I know we will be able to utilize this officer to full advantage," Ferrell
said. "We have a definite problem with methamphetamine in our county and we
will continue to address this problem, making cases and arresting those
responsible."

Scott County did not apply for the first grant phase of funding a year ago
because the sheriff's department didn't want to compete with the drug task
force, which had also applied for funds.