This recent editorial on the state budget is from the Valdosta Times.

Instead of taking a bite out of crime, Gov. Sonny Perdue and the General Assembly’s proposed budget cuts may result in a bite being taken out of crime fighters instead.

Recommended cuts, which will be included in the 2009 amended and 2010 general budgets, call for the further reduction of K-9 units with the Georgia Department of Corrections and the elimination of three regional crime labs.

“If they cut the K-9 unit, it will adversely affect several sheriff’s offices’ ability to track offenders who may flee during traffic stops, as well as other fugitives,” Georgia Sheriff’s Association Executive Vice President J. Terry Norris said.

Georgia has cut the number of dogs working for the Georgia Department of Corrections’ K-9 units from 84 to less than 45 already. That’s 45 dogs working for Peach State citizens in 159 counties - a nearly impossible situation and one that may put lives at risk unnecessarily.

K-9 units are used by law enforcement to assist in the location and apprehension of an offender who has fled the scene of a crime or a fugitive who has escaped the confines of jail or prison. K-9 units are also used to sniff out drugs and bombs, as well as missing children and elderly persons. These dogs and their handlers have proven to be an asset to both citizens and law enforcement alike time and time again.

The regional crime labs scheduled for closing are Moultrie and Columbus, which should be closed as of June 30, and Summerville, which will remain in operation until next year. The closing of these labs is, Norris explained, “certain to slow the wheels of justice,” if the closings don’t bring the whole thing to a grinding halt.

The “worse case scenario” is some offenders may elude justice altogether if justice is not swift.

We encourage Perdue and the legislators to take a second or third look at the budgets and try to find a way to avoid cutting more from the areas of law enforcement, health care and education. Georgians deserve to be safe, healthy and educated.

We also encourage the citizens of Georgia to pick up the phone and call their legislators and talk to them about these issues. These cuts are not a done deal yet.