Sunday, November 28, 2004

'Weeding' out crime makes way for 'seeding' efforts / [USA] TCPalm, 27 Nov 2004

http://www.tcpalm.com/tcp/local_news/article/0,2545,TCP_16736_3357337,00.html
Derek Simmonsen
Acitve Communities / Police
"The task force, formed to 'weed' out criminals, is the only side of Weed & Seed of St. Lucie County that some residents see. That's why organizers are hoping to put the focus on the 'seed' side next year, including neighborhood restoration, job training and improving quality of life.
'The weeding is only 50 percent of it,' Sheriff Ken Mascara said. 'We are definitely looking forward to seeing the seeding side. Through social services and bringing training in to residents � that's going to be very beneficial to the whole community.'
The task force, officially known as Operation Community Concern, had its roots in past joint projects between Fort Pierce police and the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office to target drugs, prostitution and other crimes. "