It is no secret that Selma and Dallas County have a problem when it comes to violent crimes, but a grant from the governor could help that.

Governor Robert Bentley awarded a $300,000 grant this week to the Fourth Judicial Circuit Drug Task Force, the same task force that is heavily involved in trying to stop gang violence in Selma.

We hope this grant will allow them to continue doing sweeps in areas in Selma and Dallas County that are known for violence, drugs and gang activity.

Selma and Dallas County need more of a police presence, especially since 17 homicides happened in 2016, and one has already happened in 2017 only 14 days into the new year.

District Attorney Michael Jackson said this money will be put to good use. He said it will be used to employ investigators on the task force, purchase equipment, including weapons and safety gear, and cars and gasoline.

The task force has a tall task at hand, but hopefully this money will help them get the job done and put a stop to a rise in crime. We commend the governor for awarding this grant, and we hope more money is on the way. The money is greatly needed in here.

We hope more grants come to law enforcement agencies in Selma and Dallas County.

They would certainly be put to good use.