The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention conceived the incentive program and assisted local officials in carrying it out.

Switzerland's top anti-drug official, Valentin Roschacher, was expected to arrive in Mexico today to assist Mexican officials with the investigation.

Federal sentencing guidelines, he said, would prompt suspected bribe-takers to assist law-enforcement officials in exchange for more lenient sentences.

In 1998, Weiland assisted local officials in response to the Columbine tragedy.

Pamela E. Goldstein, a spokeswoman for Mayor James, said he had instructed all members of his administration to assist law-enforcement officials in any way.

Initially created to assist legislators and municipal officials, it was later opened to the general public.

If stopped, obtain the officer's name, badge number, and patrol car number, and note where the stop happened, as this information assists local officials in identifying the perpetrators.

As an interim measure, Mr. Tsongas has set up a program to assist local officials in five towns with enviromental concerns.

Gendarmes could also be assigned to assist local police and officials.

This assists officials at seaports and airports in their inspections, and allows for the tracking of suspicious materials.