Narcotics team disbanded
From our weekly issue dated February 20, 2008
Based on lack of personnel and operating funds, the Josephine Interagency Narcotics Team (JOINT) has been disbanded, said Sheriff Gil Gilbertson of Josephine County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO).
However, JCSO will continue to investigate and pursue drug traffickers and manufacturers throughout the county, Gilbertson said.
JCSO has been contributing 90 percent of JOINT resources, or some $500,000 per year. With the loss of personnel and rising costs, plus major cutbacks looming for JCSO, the sheriff has determined that resources will better serve the public if they are restructured.
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JOINT at one time had nine personnel from JCSO, the D.A.’s office, Grants Pass Dept. of Public Safety, and Oregon State Police. But with changing times, the number of personnel and their availability has declined.
“We will continue to cooperate with our brother agencies in their efforts against illegal drugs,” said the sheriff. “We encourage all citizens to report suspicious criminal activity,” he said.
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He added that JCSO continues to look for new techniques, strategies and resources to better serve the citizenry. JOINT was formed in the 1970s and disbanded in 1976; then reinstituted in ‘87 by Sheriff Bill Arnado.
