Pubdate: Sun, 03 Nov 2002
Source: Log Cabin Democrat (AR)
Copyright: 2002 The Log Cabin Democrat
Contact:  http://thecabin.net/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/548
Author: Samantha Huseas, Log Cabin Staff Writer

SPECIAL POLICE UNITS DO BULK OF DRUG CASE INVESTIGATION

Every profession, organization and agency has its own lingo. Sometimes you 
get so used to the lingo that you forget an outsider doesn't know what in 
the heck you're talking about.

I was explaining to someone recently that while DTF and SWAT are both 
composed of Sheriff's Office and Conway officers. They are not the same 
officers and SWAT doesn't always accompany DTF.

My explanation was met with a blank stare. I forgot not everyone knows what 
"DTF" is or how or why it's different from the Metro SWAT Team.

The Conway Regional Drug Task Force (DTF's technical name) is a multiagency 
task force made up of seven Conway Police Department employees and one 
investigator from the Faulkner County Sheriff's Office. Of the seven Conway 
Police personnel, one is a lieutenant, one is a sergeant, four are narcotic 
investigators and one is an administrative assistant.

The addition of the Sheriff's Office investigator has not only strengthened 
the relationship between the two departments but also contributed to the 
task force receiving more federal money for the investigation of drug offenses.

Since the DTF covers the entire county, it serves approximately 96,000 people.

According to the folks who keep up with the numbers, Faulkner County had 
437 drug-related arrests in 1998, 556 in 1999, 421 in 2000 and 410 last 
year. The DTF isn't the only group making drug arrests, but it accounted 
for 70 percent of them, which shows the effectiveness of a unit dedicated 
strictly to drug enforcement activities.

Some statistics I was handed recently show that more and more of the 
arrests DTF officers are making are for felony offenses. That comes, at 
least in part, from the growing popularity of methamphetamine and the 
officers' strategy of attempting to reduce the number of offenders by 
attacking the supply source.

Last year, the DTF seized 49 meth labs, compared to 33 in 2000. As of 
September this year, the DTF has seized 29 meth labs or made arrests for 
criminal attempt to manufacture meth and they have opened 263 cases.

Officers are predicting fewer new meth cases this year than last and say 
that is because of their proactive approach of attacking the supply source 
of the drug problem.

But, at the same time, they anticipate an increase in another area: "club 
drugs."

The DTF is also on a mission to educate. So far this year, DTF taught 15 
classes to nearly 400 people, including 148 students in Conway and Vilonia 
Schools, several members of neighborhood watch programs and civic 
organizations, Faulkner County Sheriff's Office reserve deputies and 
volunteer fire department personnel.

The point to the statement that got this whole explanation started was: 
SWAT Team members often assist the DTF in serving warrants. They're the 
ones who kick in the doors so the drug guys can go look around. If DTF 
feels a suspect is not a threat, they will serve the warrant without help 
from the SWAT Team.

The Conway Regional Drug Task Force office can be reached at 450-6140 or by 
calling the Crime Tips Hotline at 450-6135 and leaving a message. This 
message can be left anonymously if you wish.
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart