Most law enforcement officials contribute the majority of crimes committed against individuals to drugs.

When the police and sheriff’s department are able to crack down on the flow of drugs into our community, studies show that crime decreases.

The Drug Task Force is currently soliciting funds to keep funds flowing for their operation.

The Task Force is federally funded, but the District Attorney’s office is responsible for a 50 percent match. Last year that match was $140,000, according to officials.

The Dallas County Commission and municipalities make contributions to the department. Matching funds projected to be raised this year are

$150,000.

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.

Having the Drug Task Force in place has helped reduce crime by getting drugs and guns off the streets, District Attorney Michael Jackson said.

While violent crime is down in Selma and Dallas County, property crimes are on the increase. The more support given to programs such as the Drug Task Force, the more opportunity law enforcement has to reduce the number of crimes.

This is a worthwhile use of government funds and the task force deserves the support it receives from the Dallas County Commission, as well as the city of Selma.