ATTORNEY GENERAL SAYS MELTON CAN'T CHECK DRIVERS' LICENSES

JACKSON (AP) -- Attorney General Mike Moore says Mississippi Narcotics
Bureau chief Frank Melton cannot conduct drivers' license checks because he
isn't a law officer.

Melton, a longtime television executive recently appointed MBN chief,
ordered narcotics agents to conduct a road block Tuesday near the Capitol
to check driver's licenses. The roadblock netted five misdemeanor drug
arrests, and one person wanted by Jackson police was apprehended.

Moore said while he applauds Melton's enthusiasm, he plans to talk with him
about what is and is not permissible.

"It's going to be a particular challenge on our part to make sure that we
keep Frank between the lines of the law," Moore said.

Moore said he was concerned Melton, who has no law enforcement experience,
was tapping on windows asking for driver's licenses. "You must be a sworn
law enforcement officer to stop to do driver's license checks," Moore said.

As agency director, Melton is allowed to supervise his agent while they
conduct the checks, "but he shouldn't participate directly in law
enforcement activities unless he is in fact a law enforcement officer,"
Moore said.

Melton said he is undergoing training through the Jackson Police Department
to earn certification.

He said he won't take himself off the street.