Drug Task Force solicits help in battle

by Deborah Goodwin

The Selma Times-Journal

Their job is to keep the bad guys off the streets, but they need funds to keep the operation going.

Jimmy Thomas, prosecutor with the Drug Task Force, is making his rounds soliciting funds to keep funds flowing for the operation. Thomas appealed to the Valley Grande Council on Monday night asking for a contribution and explaining the Task Force’s role.

The Task Force is federally funded, but the District Attorney’s office is responsible for a 50 percent match. Last year that match was $140K, according to Thomas.

The Dallas County Commission and municipalities make contributions to the department, Thomas said. Thomas is looking to get that same support this year, as the matching funds projected to be raised this year is

$150K.

The Task Force serves Bibb, Dallas, Perry, Hale and Wilcox counties and partners with law enforcement in those locales and with federal agents. The Task Force, which has two agents, also partners with the Anti-Gang Task Force, which has one agent.

The grant money helps pay for salaries, equipment and travel, according to Jackson. Though some of the funding comes from outside donations, Jackson said the bulk of it still comes from his office.

Since the Drug Task Force has been in existence, Thomas said, &8220;We’ve been able to nab some drug felons, but there’s still work to be done.&8221;