WHEAT TALKS CRIME WITH POLICEMEN

U.S. Rep. Alan Wheat was encouraged Friday to make sure funding is continued for crime fighting programs that work, and that grants be given on a non-competitive basis to insure cities of all sizes have an opportunity to benefit.

Wheat, who is holding a series of issues forums around the state as part of his campaign for the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate, got input from about 16 law enforcement officers and citizens on crime issues Friday at the Cape Girardeau Police Department.

Wheat explained that the federal crime bill is now in a conference committee, and predicted the final version would provide additional police officers for all parts of Missouri. He said the bill would likely provide 2,000 new police officers in the state over the next five years.

"As I travel across the state, I find that there is no greater concern that people have than safety in their communities," the Kansas City congressman told the group as he asked questions and listened to comments.

Capt. Steve Strong told Wheat that in many cases, such as dealing with drug offenders, more police officers are not the total answer.

"I am pro law enforcement dealing with drugs, but I realize if you just arrest you will only accomplish so much," said Strong. "If you cannot cure someone's addiction to drugs, they will continue to steal to buy drugs."

Strong complained that many drug offenders who want help cannot get it because programs do not exist for low-income people.

Strong and others expressed concern about a trend to no longer allow police departments and drug task forces to keep funds from asset forfeitures, which they are using to fund the task forces.

Sgt. Al Moore said there is a move to have asset forfeitures go to schools, rather than police departments.

Wheat said the same concerns had been expressed to him last week in Springfield.

"I believe we need to continue with activities that are working," Wheat said. "I will work to see regulations allow local police authorities to keep asset forfeitures. When you find something effective, it makes no sense to cut it off and try something different."

In discussing drug problems in Cape Girardeau, Wheat was told that crack cocaine is the biggest problem and that also leads to violence and other problems police have to deal with.

"It has taken its impact on this community," said one officer.

Randy Rhodes, a local juvenile officer, explained that juveniles usually are aware of the extent they can be prosecuted under the law. He said that youths sent away to detention facilities usually come back rested up and bulked up and resume activities.

It was noted that since juveniles age 11 and under cannot be incarcerated, they are often used for running drugs.

Wheat said there is some discussion in Congress about holding adults accountable for what they have youths do in criminal activity.

In response to a concern that many youths turn to gang activity because they have nothing to do, Wheat said there is a move in some parts of the country to have school buildings open nights, weekends, and in the summer to provide organized activities.

On the subject of grants, Moore and Strong said too much of the funds are tied up in administration and not enough gets to the local level. Others agreed on the need to give local authorities more discretion in the use of grants.

Wheat agreed. "We have to find formulas to get funds to people without competition between cities. Grants need to be less competitive and more need based," he said.