It was a call for justice, a time to call in the troops. All of them. Anoka County Attorney Robert W. Johnson was leaving nothing to chance.

Forty years ago today, in an effort to make law enforcement in Anoka County more effective, Johnson came up with a revolutionary idea: Create a central team of law-enforcement personnel from throughout the county to investigate felony crimes.

"That foresight produced a working relationship between the sheriff and local law enforcement agencies that is now the envy of other counties throughout the metro area," said Anoka County Sheriff Bruce Andersohn. "Other counties marvel at what we have and ask: How do you do that?"

This is how it began in 1970: The Anoka County sheriff, police chiefs from participating cities and the county attorney would create a central communications bank, employ a universal training officer and allow all participating officers to share a firing range. There would be central recruitment and grants to bring more investigating officers to the county.

Along with the sheriff, there would be representatives from each of the county's police departments -- Anoka, Blaine, Columbia Heights, Coon Rapids, Fridley and Spring Lake Park. There also would be a council, chaired for the past 30 years by the current county attorney, Robert M.A. Johnson, R.W. Johnson's son and successor. The county would act as the council's fiscal agent.

The council muddled along for a number of years, the younger Johnson said.

But as crime increased and as more -- and different -- crimes were reported, the council adapted. With a greater emphasis on investigative units, the county's law enforcement agencies began solving homicides and sexual assault crimes at a greater rate, Johnson said.

"When I was at the FBI Academy, people were amazed at what we can do in Anoka County," said the sheriff's chief deputy, Loni Payne. "By pooling resources, we've developed an expertise."

And by consolidating, the county has saved tax dollars, Andersohn said.

Anoka County has taken the idea of collaboration further, recently entering into a contract with neighboring Sherburne County, which houses some Anoka prisoners. The county also shares a new forensic lab in Andover with Sherburne and Wright counties.

"By establishing a good working relationship 40 years ago, the groundwork was set for the services we provide today," Andersohn said.

Said Johnson: "As a result of the Joint Law Enforcement Council Joint Powers Agreement, we have the cooperation of law enforcement in this county that's unheard of. That's crucial today. We're dealing with crimes that nobody envisioned 40 years ago."

Paul Levy • 612-673-4419