The Cambria County Drug Task Force is the longest continually-operating agency of its
kind in the state of Pennsylvania. Formed in 1992, the task force was created in response
to a major increase in drug trafficking and drug-related violence. The Task Force is made
up of municipal police officers from jurisdictions throughout Cambria County and is headed
by District Attorney Patrick T. Kiniry.
Since drug criminals do not recognize borders the key to fighting drug crime is cooperation and team efforts put forth by agencies both inside and outside Cambria County. The Task Force is effective because we share resources and information with the Federal Bureau of Investigation´s Laurel Highlands Bureau, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Office of the State Attorney General.
Another critical partner is the people of Cambria County. We rely heavily on our
fellow citizens to recognize and report illegal drug activity. In return, we make
concerted efforts to provide the public and especially county school students with the
information they need to avoid drugs and fight drug crime. Our “Drug Identification
and Awareness” Program, also known as “Drugs 101” has received high praise from county
school superintendents, civic organizations and the public. This program and others
like it allow Drug Task Force detectives to bring their insights and knowledge of what
happens on the street to the citizens of Cambria County.
The Cambria County Drug Task Force created regulations and set the standards for the proper management of in-school drug locker searches. These are carried out by the Task Force´s K-9 Unit at the request of school principals.
Detectives that form the Cambria County Drug Task Force are highly-trained in all aspects of drug investigation and pride themselves on ethical behavior, dedication and commitment to the cause of keeping our citizens safe by fighting drug crime and the many dangers that it can bring.
