Pubdate: Thu, 16 May 2002
Source: Decatur Daily (AL)
Copyright: 2002 The Decatur Daily
Contact:  http://www.decaturdaily.com/decaturdaily/index.shtml
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/696
Author: Sheryl Marsh

MORGAN SHERIFF WANTS TO HIRE MORE DEPUTIES TO FIGHT DRUG PROBLEM

Morgan County Sheriff John McBride says illegal drugs are running strong 
here and he hopes to get funding to hire more officers to deal with it.

"I need them real bad. The drugs are taking over in Morgan County, and I 
want to put somebody in narcotics," he said.

The sheriff may get his wish if the federal government approves a $350,787 
Community Oriented Policing Services grant for the county to hire three 
deputies.

The additional officers would bring the sheriff's deputies count up to 47, 
according to personnel in the sheriff's office.

The County Commission authorized Chairman Larry Bennich to apply for the 
grant Monday.

The grant comes through the U.S. Department of Justice. The agency will pay 
$280,629 and the county's match will be $70,158 for a three-year period, 
McBride explained.

The County Commission must agree to keep the deputies one year after the 
grant period ends.
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