Special to the Leader & Times

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Kansas (USAO-KS) and Finney County Attorney’s Office announced the launch of the Southwest Kansas Task Force (SKTF). The agencies signed an agreement to create a first-of-its-kind program in the State of Kansas.

The SKTF is a brand-new federal-local partnership whereby several assistant Finney County attorneys will be embedded part-time with the USAO-KS as Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys (SAUSAs). The Department of Justice will provide training to the SAUSAs on federal laws and federal court procedures so they will be prepared to appear in federal court on behalf of the U.S. government. The goal is to maximize the effectiveness of prosecuting and litigating matters originating in Southwest Kansas counties that are referred for federal prosecution.

“The Department of Justice is committed to serving every corner of Kansas. Federal law enforcement resources can make a meaningful difference in rural communities across our state,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser. “By focusing those resources where they can have the greatest impact, we can better address public safety challenges. The Southwest Kansas Task Force will enhance coordination among federal, state, and local partners to help keep our communities safe.”

SAUSAs will serve as points of contact for law enforcement based in Southwest Kansas. The duties of the SAUSAs include providing guidance to officers with questions about whether a state criminal case may be more appropriate for federal prosecution by USAO-KS in federal court.

“The Southwest Kansas Task Force leverages the combined strength of federal and local resources to protect public safety,” said Finney County Attorney Susan H. Richmeier. “The Task Force allows designated assistant Finney County attorneys to federally prosecute crimes occurring in Finney County and elsewhere in Kansas to combat the influx of narcotics and illicit firearms into our community.”

Agencies providing resources to the SKTF in the form of personnel or financial assistance include Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Midwest High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA).