RED WING - An economic stimulus plan stalled in Congress could spell disaster for the Southeast Minnesota Narcotics and Gang Task Force.
A bill rejected Friday by the U.S. Senate included millions of dollars for law enforcement programs like the local task force, which depends largely on federal funding and grants. Without federal money, the drug and gang unit would likely dissolve in 2010, Goodhue County Sheriff Dean Albers said.
"We would basically have to fold up our tent and go home to our own agencies and operate like we used to," Albers said.
The sheriff's department is one of 13 agencies, including Red Wing police, that make up the task force. Law enforcement officials say the task force has played a critical role in bringing area agencies together to fight drugs and gangs.
That battle would still continue without the cooperative group, but at a slower pace, said Red Wing police Chief Tim Sletten.
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"Many of these drug crimes don't have boundaries," Sletten said. "So when we deal with someone in the drug trade, likely so is another agency. Without the task force, it would possibly take longer to get to know these people who are coming into our community."
Albers agreed, saying the task force has greatly increased the exchange of information among officers in southeastern Minnesota. The agencies have access to a central database as well as one another's equipment and manpower.
Arrests would still be made without those key items, Albers said, but drug dealers would likely remain on the streets longer.
"It would hurt," Sletten said of losing federal funding. "It would force us to go backward from where we've progressed in the fight on drugs."
The task force's main source of funding is the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant. That grant and other funding sources have seen massive reductions in the last year, according to National Sheriff's Association officials.
The Byrne grant has been saved from the chopping block before, Albers said, noting it could happen again.
"I remain hopeful something will happen to save this," he added. "But in light of the economic situation, who knows if it will be resolved."
Minnesota Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Norm Coleman both voted for the bill.
