MONTGOMERY— Gov. Bob Riley has awarded two grants totaling $530,000 to continue the efforts of two specialized law enforcement units in southwest Alabama.
The grants will help area drug task forces continue to investigate, arrest and prosecute drug offenders. One unit operates in Monroe and Conecuh counties while the other serves Choctaw, Clarke and Washington counties. Each task force is receiving $265,000.
“The distribution of illegal drugs brings increased crime to a community and destroys families,” said Riley. “I commend the members of both drug task forces for their dedication to the safety of south Alabama residents.”
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Department, the district attorney’s office for the 35th district and the police departments of Monroeville and Evergreen collaborate on drug enforcement efforts in Monroe and Conecuh. Multiple law enforcement agencies within Choctaw, Clarke and Washington counties make up the drug task force that serves that area.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grants from funds made available to the state by the U.S. Department of Justice as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
Riley notified Probate Judge Greg Norris, chairman of the Monroe County Commission, and Jackson Mayor Richard Long that the grants had been approved. The city of Jackson is the fiscal agent for the tri-county grant.
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Contact: Josh Carples; Larry Childers