Six factors were found to contribute to task force effectiveness. One factor is the perception and acknowledgment of a serious drug problem in the area; and another factor is the involvement of a prime mover, that is, someone who is visible and has a top level policy position. A third factor is supervision by a knowledgeable and energetic officer who is committed to the task force, and a fourth is a nonbureaucratic organizational structure. Other factors that contribute to task force effectiveness are an organizational climate that facilitates learning and a cooperative attitude from the Missouri Department of Public Safety. Four factors that pose obstacles to an effective task force are territoriality that inhibits interagency cooperation, a lack of trained personnel, distance, and failure to perceive a drug problem in the area. The three general themes of the analysis are that the multijurisdictional drug task force is a special unit with a distinct role in the community; resource management is a key benefit of task force involvement; and prosecutor involvement enhances task force effectiveness.