Sheriff Ryan reported there are new mechanisms in place for the reimplementation of the program. He reported that he pitched the program to staff from the California State Bureau of Narcotics to see if they are interested and he reported that they were excited by the idea. Ryan asked “Why have the State Bureau of Narcotics involved?” Well, he said they bring state resources and the ability to obtain undercover operators and funds. They also have a lot of background, and information, since they are dated back to 1927, and the state agencies will make sure the program is run consistent with state law. Sheriff Ryan made it very clear he is looking forward to the partnership with neighboring departments. The Sheriff’s Office will be providing staff while an officer from both Jackson and Sutter Creek on the taskforce paid for through the taskforce’s secured funding. Ryan said that Under Sheriff James Wegner has been has been working on spear heading the program and then Wegner took the podium to explain the grants and the nuts and bolts of the operation.  Wegner explained that the Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Narcotics have secured two substantial narcotics enforcement grants.

There are two grants, the first an Anti Drug Abuse, or ADA, grant and the second a Cal-Met or the California Methamphetamine Eradication Team grant. The funds will help re-implement the drug enforcement unit while also providing for staff. The grants will provide full salary funding for each member of the unit, Ryan had explained earlier, by also back filling salaries for filling the vacancies left by those personnel assigned to the unit. Wegner explained that the funds will pay for much more as well, such as special technology and equipment needed, vehicles, and office space for the program. Wegner reported that news from different agencies shows that the funding appears to be secure at the moment- so they hope the program will be continued and even if some of the grant monies are no longer available the Sheriff’s Office is committed to the program and there may be other ways to fund the taskforce. Wegner went on to say that the grants do have stipulations that require that other agencies to be involved and help direct the taskforce. Agencies such as Mental health, social services, Child Protective Services, CHP and many more.

He explained all of the necessary players, outlined in the requirements of the grant, will be involved in the planning process. He reported that this will be the first time during his 18 years here, that there will be an 8 person taskforce working solely on narcotics enforcement. Wegner stated that even when there was only a few member taskforce it was very effective- so it is an exciting prospect for all involved. Wegner reported that while they were hoping to have the program up and running by July first they are shooting now for August 1st so that the involved players can start working together, and training together, as a team as well as acclimating to the new scope of their jobs. He reported that if they are not able get the taskforce up and running by August 1st, they are possibly going to pursue having the new taskforce members working with neighboring counties who have specific narcotics taskforces so that involved officers can begin to gain experience in the area.

Wegner closed his comments by echoing Sheriff Ryan on how committed the Sheriff’s Department is to this program and how encouraged they are with the renewed support and interest. The council had an expressed consensus that the program would help make the citizens of Jackson safer and help considerably with the drug problems that the City and County are facing. Chief Morrison emphasized that it is crucial that Jackson participate in the effort to help protect the citizens of Jackson. The council made a motion to ratify the Memorandum Of Understanding for reimplementation of ANEU and approve the Police Department over-hire of one police officer position, with grant funding, and officially assigned one police officer to the Amador Narcotics Enforcement Taskforce. The vote was unanimous.