Drug Task Force Gives $450,000 to Local Law Enforcement

Tennessee's 10th Judicial District Drug Task Force (DTF) is celebrating 20 years of service by providing $450,000 in grant money to nine Southeast Tennessee law enforcement agencies.

The 10th DTF was formed in 1988 by the chiefs of police and the sheriffs' departments in the 10th Judicial District, encompassing McMinn, Monroe, Polk and Bradley Counties under the guidance of the District Attorney General. Today nine of these local law enforcement agencies serve as the nine voting board members for the 10th DTF. Each voting member pays an annual fee of $2,000 per year or gives services that equal $2,000 per year. The chiefs of the other seven district police departments also serve as board members.

The 10th DTF is the second oldest DTF in the State. When the 10th DTF was formed in 1988, its agents were funded by the board members' annual fee and the Edward Byrne Federal Grant. The first agents were loaned to the DTF by other departments. Initially many of the departments sacrificed money and manpower so the DTF would be successful. In the early years the agents and the director worked from their homes and didn't have a permanent office. The DTF had limited equipment, manpower and resources.

Today the 10th DTF is one of the most successful in the nation. They are one of the few DTF's in the nation to own their own office building. They have received state and local awards and recognition for their professionalism and work ethic. The 10th DTF could not be as successful in their duties if not for the direction and continued support of the board of directors.

The DTF is honored to be able to give back to each of the departments who serve as voting board members a one-time grant of $50,000, for a total of $450,000.

Mike Hall, director of the 10th Judicial DTF stated, "If it were not for the support given us by these departments, we could not be successful. These funds will assist these agencies with their individual drug enforcement programs. We have always been a support agency. This is just another way we can support those who guided us through our developmental process."

The board members receiving the grants are:
Sweetwater Police Department
Madisonville Police Department
Monroe County Sheriff's Office
McMinn County Sheriff's Office
Polk County Sheriff's Office
Benton City Police Department
Charleston Police Department
Cleveland City Police Department
Bradley County Sheriff's Office

District Attorney General Steve Bebb commented that he was very proud of the men and women of the 10th Judicial Drug Task Force.

Bebb said, "Under the leadership of Director Mike Hall, our DTF has become highly recognized at the local, state and federal levels. The 10th Judicial Drug Task Force has grown to become the second largest multi-jurisdictional drug unit in the State with 16 highly trained and qualified personnel. The 10th DTF is only second behind the West Tennessee Violent Crime Task Force which encompasses four judicial districts."

Bebb continued, "This is a meritorious event to see our DTF recognizing local agencies for their long-term support. I believe this is only a milestone in the future successes that we can expect from these dedicated men and women."

Chief Eddie Byrum of the Sweetwater Police Department said, "The DTF is a tremendous resource for the smaller departments. They are available with manpower and equipment to assist our departments with all types of investigations. I'm especially pleased with the present structure of our DTF and the support it provides to my community. In addition to its enforcement and investigative efforts, the 10th Judicial District DTF provides a great educational program for schools, churches and civic organizations."

Director Tommy Farmer, Tennessee Methamphetamine Task Force commented, "Typical multi-jurisdictional drug units have only an average three to five year life span. Twenty years, of effective and efficient drug enforcement is an unprecedented accomplishment in today's environment. The 10th Judicial Drug Task Force is to be commended for its outstanding service to the District."