This letter concerns President Clif Roberts and my travel to Washington DC to represent the ANOA to the National Narcotics Officers Association Coalition meeting. The meeting was attended by 105 representatives from
44 states. The primary funding issues discussed were the Byrne-Justice Assistance Grant, which funds 31 drug task forces in Alabama as well as rehabilitation and drug courts; the National Guard Counter Drug Program
which funds the Regional Counter-Drug Training Academy (RCTA) in Meridian, Ms; and the Regional Information Sharing System which also funds the Regional Organized Crime Information Center (ROCIC). In
addition, a nationwide “round up” by Byrne-JAG funded drug task forces was discussed. This round up of drug violators occurred on March 5, 2008. Thank you for all of the task forces that participated!!

We met with staff members of all Senator and Congressional Offices concerning the previously mentioned concerns. We were also able to personally meet with Alabama Congressmen Spencer Bachus, Jo Bonner,
Artur Davis and Mike Rogers. All of the Congressmen and staff were extremely supportive and pledged support for additional funding for law enforcement. Statistics were provided to staffers for the 31 drug task
forces as well as contact information of all task force commanders. Invitations were also made to staffers to participate in “ride a long” programs at their home police departments. This invitation was provided
so that the staffers could better understand the benefits of proper funding and support of law enforcement.

We will continue to correspond with Congressional Leaders throughout the year. Our activities representing the Alabama Narcotic Officers Association will continue with future conferences and training activities. These activities will continue to not only benefit ANOA Members, but all of law enforcement in Alabama.