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Match drug forfeiture money with greater assistance to police

Drug forfeiture money comes from drug-related crimes, which is not a good thing.

But something good can come of it apparently.

Money obtained in Lycoming County from drug forfeitures will be used to add more of a city police presence to parks in Williamsport this summer.

Lycoming County District Attorney Eric R. Linhardt announced plans last week to turn over $15,000 from drug cases and convictions of dealers to pay for more visible police presence in the parks.

The money will pay the cost for extra police and patrols in the parks. It is the fifth year the DA’s office has provided this funding.

In light of recent events, that seems to be a needed use for the drug forfeiture money.

But it’s no guarantee of safety. Police can’t be everywhere 24 hours a day.

Neighborhood crime watch efforts, which have a strong track record of success but tend to have an ebb and flow in popularity, have never been more important. We need more eyes, not just in our parks, but on our streets.

We are on record against the removal of hoops from Memorial Park following recent trashings and vandalism.

But that doesn’t mean we don’t think the public – all age groups from all life circumstances – has a share in the safety of our parks and streets.

Let’s match that drug forfeiture money with a renewed commitment to help local police throughout the region with their crimefighting mission.

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