During the last meeting of the Butler County Commission, Georgiana Police Chief James Blackmon asked commissioners about helping pay for an officer from his department to be put on the Second Judicial Drug Task Force

(DTF), which encompasses Butler, Crenshaw and Lowndes Counties.

During his request to commissioners, Blackmon noted that there had been some problems with the Task Force in the past and that a ruling from the District Attorney now requires that he be notified before working any cases in Butler County.

While there should be strong support for the Drug Task Force and its efforts to rid this portion of Alabama of illegal drug activity, the Butler County Commission should take an in-depth look at Chief Blackmon's request before approving the measure.

Certainly it is commendable that Chief Blackmon wants to remain active in the Task Force, but because of the past problems and to avoid any future misunderstandings between the agencies involved, perhaps commissioners should find out specifically which officer is being considered for the position. This would make sure there is no conflict with other law enforcement agencies in the district, whether they are participating partners in the Task Force or not.

Some of the past problems should be addressed in order to ensure that they do not happen again, in order to make the DTF stronger. The less conflict that is created between the participating and non-participating agencies alike, the more likely it will be that the DTF will have more success in their efforts. After all, getting drugs of the streets is what it's all about, isn't it?