WEB SYSTEM TRACKS SALE OF METH ITEMS

Local law enforcement officials are now using a new Web-based method
for tracking the sale of pseudoephedrine and other common items used
in the manufacture of methamphetamine.

The Indiana Methamphetamine Investigation System works by combining
pseudoephedrine purchase records with criminal records to track
suspicious purchasing habits and connect frequent purchasers of
pseudoephedrine.

Indiana State Police Sgt. Niki Crawford spoke at a news conference
Thursday at the Indiana State Police post in Evansville about the
system and new website.

"We're putting a lot of information at the hands of law enforcement,"
said Crawford, who is also the commander of the Indiana State Police
Methamphetamine Suppression Section.

"We also want to partner with the public," said Crawford, emphasizing
the role community cooperation plays in investigating the manufacture
of methamphetamine.

The system was provided free to Indiana by the Tennessee Meth Task
Force, which has been using it since 2004 through funding from a
federal grant.

One goal of the Indiana Methamphetamine Investigation System is to
increase the efficiency of researching meth-related purchases. Since
pseudoephedrine purchasing restrictions were put in place in 2005, law
enforcement agencies have attempted to detect frequent purchasers of
pseudoephedrine by checking paper logs from retailers. What used to
take weeks will now take a couple of hours to a day, said Crawford.

So far, 11 other states are using similar databases. Within six to
nine months, these systems will be able to track meth-related activity
across state lines, said Crawford.

Only purchases deemed suspicious are searchable, protecting other
consumer information from view.

The growing incidence of methamphetamine manufacture in Indiana
"requires inventive ways for law enforcement to tackle it," said State
Police Sgt. Dave Burston.

The system is not meant to be a preventive tool, said Crawford. In
fact, meth lab investigations are expected to increase because of
improved detection methods, said Crawford.

Through the Web site, citizens are able to access information on lab
cleanup, drug-endangered children, and what to do in situations
involving meth.

Resources are available for education programs. Citizens can also
report suspected meth activities.