COST OF METH GOES BEYOND ADDICTION - TAXPAYERS FOOT BILL FOR INMATE
MEDICATIONS, JAIL STAY

The use and production of methamphetamines continues to be a problem here
in Franklin County.

According to figures released by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, Franklin
County is now ranked second in the State of Tennessee in the production of
the drug. In addition to the usage of the drug being a problem, many other
factors need to be considered that cost taxpayers more and more each year.
Sheriff Mike Foster recently stated that Franklin County currently spends
between $5 and $7-thousand each month for prescription drugs for inmates.
"Three-fourths of that is for those who have been arrested on
methamphetamines charges," Foster stated. The sheriff explained that the
prescriptions have to be paid for by the taxpayers of Franklin County. "We
get the medicine at a reduced price but it still is expensive." Foster said
that of the 120 inmates who are housed in the Franklin County Jail on a
daily basis, 70 to 90 percent are there on drug related charges. "Some are
arrested for the possession of the actual drug while others are here [in
jail] on charges of domestic violence, burglary or some kind of theft due
to methamphetamines related use," Foster said.

Franklin County Chief Deputy Tim Fuller said that those who have been
arrested on methamphetamine charges usually suffer from problems such as
extensive weight loss, dental problems, and respiratory ailments. "That
means they have to be given medication to help them to correct the
problem," Fuller said.

"They tend to be violent and irrational when they first are taken into
custody," Fuller said. "So we have to give them something to help calm them
down." He noted that users are "paranoid due to the loss of sleep." Fuller
stated that often times they are so paranoid that they tell officers that
they have seen investigators sitting in a tree outside their houses for
days. "When we haven't even been near their house," Fuller said. "If they
don't get out on bond right away they will crash and sleep often times for
several days," Foster said.

"Each deputy who works in the confiscation of meth labs has to receive a
physical each year that cost a total of $18,500," Fuller said. "Those exams
include examination of their kidneys, respiratory system liver." The chief
deputy explained that the reason for the in depth physical is due to no one
really knowing the long term effects associated with the handling of the
chemicals. "That way if they develop a problem ten years down the road that
is connected then workmen's compensation insurance will cover them," Fuller
explained. Fuller pointed out that in California some officers who have
worked with the chemicals have suffered serious health problems.

Both lawmen noted that the average meth lab cost approximately $3,000 to
clean up. In addition to the cost of the actual cleanup, some $1,000 in
overtime is paid for deputies who assist when a lab is found. Foster noted
that the federal government eventually reimburses the county for the
deputies' overtime. "If the federal government didn't reimburse law
enforcement for the overtime, no government agency would be able to cleanup
where a lab had been operated," Fuller said.

Fuller noted that there is also an added expense when a lab is found where
children live. "The Tennessee Department of Children Services, has to be
notified and they have to remove the children and take them to the hospital
to be checked out," Fuller said.

The chief deputy concluded by saying that the meth problem is a social
issue and "it effects us all in some way or another."