FBI director Robert Mueller says feds and local law enforcement must communicate

<br>(Tulsa-AP) -- FBI Director Robert Mueller says the war against terror can be won only if the bureau works closely with local law enforcement. <br><br>Mueller spoke Monday at the National Sheriffs'

Monday, June 24th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Tulsa-AP) -- FBI Director Robert Mueller says the war against terror can be won only if the bureau works closely with local law enforcement.

Mueller spoke Monday at the National Sheriffs' Association annual conference in Tulsa.

He says the FBI must continue improving communications with local police and sheriffs' departments because they are often the nation's first line of defense.

Mueller says the bureau has taken steps since September eleventh to improve the often-contentious relationships with local police and sheriffs. He says they are working, but more must be done.

Mueller also says his plan to shift 500 more agents to anti-terror efforts will increase the burden on local sheriffs to investigate drug trafficking and bank robberies.