MELTON : HE CAN WEAR HIS CAMO IN THE OFFICE

The hubbub over whether new Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics chief Frank
Melton is or is not pursuing training as a sworn law enforcement officer is
secondary to his role as the top civilian anti-drug law-enforcement executive.

Melton, an ex-television executive, had said he was undergoing training,
but Jackson police say he is not in the program. Training would be helpful,
but is not necessary.

Melton, despite his theatrics with roadblocks and helicopters, is to be
commended for his anti-drug zeal. But he does not need to be stopping cars
and checking licenses.

He should be directing and managing enforcement efforts. That might not be
as glamorous, but it is more important in the bigger picture of drug
enforcement.

If he really must, he can wear his camo SWAT clothes on "casual Friday" at
the office - where he belongs.