Police in Iowa and elsewhere in the country are concerned about the impact of deep cuts to the federal Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant program, once a centerpiece of U.S. antidrug funding.

The Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier reported Jan. 21 that the Byrne grants provide much of the funding for the Iowa Office of Drug Control Policy, but could be cut by more than 70 percent this year. The U.S. Department of Justice administers the grant program.

The cuts also would also hurt law-enforcement groups like the North Central Iowa Narcotics Task Force, which brings together antidrug officers from nine Iowa counties. "Without that pooled effect, they're not going to be able to do any drug enforcement other than what they run into during their regular patrol duties. It really hamstrings the effort," said Iowa drug czar Gary Kendell.

The Byrne grants have been targeted for cuts in part because of complaints that it it lacks focus, specific goals, and good management. However, some in Iowa's congressional delegation, including Sens. Tom Harkin and Charles Grassley, said they would try to get the funding restored.