Strapped by shrinking budgets, state and local law enforcement agencies say they need Uncle Sam’s help now more than ever.
That was the message given yesterday to members of the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, which held a field hearing in Barre on the topic of drug crime and how to combat it.
Senators Patrick Leahy of Vermont and Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island heard from several local leaders on the subject.
Among them was Vermont State Police Commander Colonel Thomas L’Esperance, who said federal funds for task forces aimed at addressing drug crime and sex crimes against children is key to helping cities and towns cope with the problems.