Pubdate: Thu, 21 Dec 2000
Source: Tennessean, The (TN)
Copyright: 2000 The Tennessean
Contact:  1100 Broadway, Nashville TN 37203
Fax: (615) 726-8928
Website: http://www.tennessean.com/
Author: Sheila Burke

DRUG USE IN NASHVILLE REMAINS STEADY; SOUTH'S BOOMING ECONOMY, LACK OF
POLICE RESOURCES CITED

Despite reports of a national decline in cocaine use, Metro police 
officials and those who treat people with drug problems say use of the drug 
— in all of its forms — remains steady in Music City and is fueling much of 
Nashville's crime.

"We're getting more complaints then we ever did," said Lt. Jess Andrews of 
the Metro Police Department vice division.

Drugs, police say, play a factor in auto thefts, burglaries, shoplifting, 
robberies and murder.

"Any time they can get something of value to trade for drugs — or something 
to steal for drugs —that's usually the way it goes," he said.

According to figures released by the FBI this week, Nashville crime rose 
3.3% from January to June of this year. Crimes such as robbery and burglary 
— which often are driven by drug use — increased 4.2% and 17%, respectively.

Police insist that the city is safe and that crime numbers remain far below 
those of recent years.

In addition to crack cocaine, another factor in area crime is the increase 
of methamphetamines in Middle Tennessee.

"We've really seen an increase in methamphetamine cases but not a decrease 
in cocaine," said Harry Summers, agent in charge of the Drug Enforcement 
Administration in Nashville.

Officials have different theories for why drug use remains high. One local 
sociologist says the South's booming economy, coupled with a lack of police 
resources, may be the cause.

"It wouldn't be surprising to have drug-driven crime endure in the more 
rapidly growing cities in the South," said Vanderbilt professor of 
sociology Gary Jenson. "As wealth moves South, the markets move South ..."

Jenson was quick to say that it would take an extensive scientific study to 
find the level of local drug use.

Another contributor to the problem may be a lack of adequate treatment.

"I think that other communities may be focusing their resources more on 
their problem than we have been," said Bob Currie, executive vice president 
of the Alcohol and Drug Council of Middle Tennessee.

"I'm really encouraged by the results of the drug court and by the work 
that they're doing, but still, it only helps a small number of people."

The Metro Public Health Department has not seen a decline in requests for 
drug rehabilitation and treatment, said Francis Clark, director of 
substance abuse and mental health services.

She does not believe the city has a worse drug problem than other cities.

"I'm kind of bumfuzzled as to why we would be different from another city," 
Clark said.

Andrews of the vice division also said the large number of calls to police 
about drug use may simply mean that neighborhood groups have become more 
observant about drug problems and are calling police more often.
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