Some Weed and Seed efforts shifting from original intent

In the early years, communities could receive $500,000 a year for three years. Now, funding starts at $175,000 the first year, and ends after five.

"I don't think the Weed and Seed thing is comprehensive enough, nor are the funds adequate," said Hubert Williams, president of the Washington-based Police Foundation.

Time ran out on one of two Camden Weed and Seed sites this year, leaving the city with $225,000. That's the same amount of funding that goes to Calais, Maine, a small town near the Canadian border with little crime and few drug arrests.

Calais City Manager Linda Pragels says a big problem is kids "getting into the medicine cabinet" and stealing parents' Xanax or OxyContin.

For violence-wracked Camden, "that money is really hard to replace," said Wren Ingram, coordinator for the city's remaining Weed and Seed program. "Some of the projects just aren't going to survive."