Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, April 21, 1990 TAG: 9004210394
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: A3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER MUNICIPAL WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration is reorganizing a regional drug enforcement task force on a permanent basis, Herbert said.
City Council's approval will be needed for the city to join in the revamped regional effort because it will involve a formal agreement between the DEA and the city, he said.
City police have participated in the regional program since it was established several years ago. But council's approval was not needed for that because city officers worked only on specific cases ranging from 90 days to one year, the city manager said.
In a report on council's agenda for Monday, Herbert said one experienced city police officer would be assigned to the drug enforcement task force for at least one year under the reorganized regional approach.
The city would pay the officer's salary, but he or she would serve as a special agent for the DEA and would be supervised by the federal agency.
The DEA will provide the operating costs for the regional task force, including the equipment and supplies for investigations and undercover operations.
Herbert said the city will share in the assets seized as a result of the investigations.
Also Monday, the city manager will recommend that council schedule a public hearing at 7:30 p.m. on May 14 on the city's proposed community development budget for the next fiscal year that includes funds for drug abuse prevention programs.
The city has earmarked $40,000 to provide a staff for a proposed drug and alcohol abuse council that will coordinate the city's effort to prevent and treat drug abuse.
The city manager's task force on drug abuse recently recommended the creation of such a council. It is expected to be composed of representatives from schools, law enforcement agencies, businesses, governments, civic and neighborhood organizations.
The city will contract with a non-profit agency to provide two staff members who would provide support and technical assistance to the council.
Nearly $7,000 also has been allocated in the community development budget for a series of workshops and activities for parents and children, mainly in low- and moderate-income neighborhoods, to make them aware of the dangers of drug abuse. This is the first time the city has earmarked community development funds for staff and drug abuse prevention programs.
by CNB