COOPERATIEVE DRUG UNIT SENDS THE PROPER SIGNAL

Those who engage in the trade of illegal drugs respect no boundaries. It makes sense that law enforcement agencies combating this contraband break down walls of jurisdiction in order to more effectively operate. The Cape Girardeau Police Department and Cape Girardeau County Sheriff's Department have done just that, pledging cooperation in the investigation of drug-related crimes and the pursuit of drug offenders. We find this union commendable and important.

Creation of the county Narcotics Enforcement Unit formalizes what has been a very good working relationship between police and sheriff authorities in recent years. Within the framework of this new partnership (which has already borne fruit with the arrest of suspected crack cocaine dealers early this month), officers in the unit will be able to more fully focus on enforcing drug laws. Not only will officers find themselves with more time and a clearer direction for this task, they will be able to move with greater speed in acting on "tips" on drug activities furnished to law enforcement agencies.

Despite the raised visibility of the area's drug problems in recent months and positive steps taken toward their remedy, a challenge remains for law enforcement agencies. Fortunately, there are many tools to help. The inter-jurisdictional Southeast Missouri Drug Task Force has made a significant impact in corralling major drug operations in this area and throughout the Bootheel. The presence of federal Drug Enforcement Administration officials, a U.S. Attorney satellite office in Cape Girardeau and a federal grand jury, plus the work of other municipal and county law enforcement agencies, contributes to putting pressure on this unlawful trade.

Formation of the Narcotics Enforcement Unit, which will serve as a local liaison for the rest of these agencies, reinforces the overall effort and gives the battle against drugs the priority it deserves.

The axiom goes that great things can be achieved as long as it doesn't matter who gets the credit. Egos and turf battles should not have a place in law enforcement, but too often they do. In this case, two departments of law enforcement, city and county, declare that cooperation is a valuable and necessary commodity in stifling the commerce of illegal drugs. The goal should be to make drug dealers feel uncomfortable doing business in Cape Girardeau County, and this partnership sends the appropriate message.