MELTON SHOULDN'T HAVE TO LIST NAMES

I take issue with your Aug. 23 editorial ("Melton's way: Narcotics
chief should be open") which blasted Frank Melton for not holding
press conferences after every arrest of drug-dealing suspects.

First, Frank Melton is a compassionate human being who happens to be a
former TV executive who now heads the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics.
Melton understands that arrested suspects have families who are
usually innocent bystanders. Why taint their lives with the dirty
linen of a suspect? Why not at least wait until the judiciary system
takes its toll? Why not publicize convicted, proven wrongdoers but not
suspects?

Yes, this is the same Frank Melton who once posted pictures of known
drug dealers on billboards about town proclaiming "This Man Sells
Drugs." That ploy was done not with mere suspects but with convicted
felons released back on the streets and continuing their wicked ways.

Now Melton, the MBN chief, has a handle on repeat offenders. They are
going to jail. Period. Let the man do his job. Persons want-ing inside
information on arrest records have only to view public documents
available at the appropriate booking sites.

Frank Melton deserves our praise, not ridicule. Thank God he is
courageous, effective and yet compassionate.

Frank Bluntson Jr.

Jackson