(AP) -- South Carolina's state police have created a joint team to target drug traffickers and violent crime throughout the state.
State Law Enforcement Division chief Reggie Lloyd said Tuesday that 10 sheriff's offices and police departments had joined the joint enforcement team so far.
The program began about a year ago to share intelligence on illegal drug trafficking and distribution in South Carolina.
Lloyd on Tuesday officially swore in 36 officers hand-picked by their superiors for the program. He says their badges and credentials are paid for by federal grant money.
Lloyd expects more agencies to join the effort in the future.
The program is modeled after federal task forces that combine local, state and federal intelligence and resources to fight violent crime.
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