Pubdate: Fri, 09 Nov 2001
Source: Southern Standard, The (TN)
Copyright: 2001 Southern Standard & The Smithville Review
Contact:  http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?brd=941
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1513
Author: Duane Sherrill

DRUG SEARCH CONDUCTED AT CARRIER

A canine team swept the parking area outside Carrier's Morrison plant 
Thursday morning, ending in citations for three employees on minor drug 
charges. According to Sheriff Jackie Matheny, the search was conducted by 
several canine teams including those from Warren County Sheriff's 
Department, McMinnville Police Department, and White and Rutherford County 
sheriff's departments. The teams conducted circuits of the parking lots 
surrounding the plant. Matheny said the search was conducted on request of 
Carrier management.

Matheny said there were three instances in which lawmen found small 
portions of marijuana and/or drug paraphernalia in vehicles after the dogs 
picked up a scent on the automobiles. The three employees, whose names were 
not available at press time, were not arrested, but were instead cited into 
court. There were no terminations as result of the search, according to 
Carrier plant manager Daryl Leven.

Matheny said the dogs hit on about 20 cars in the Carrier lot; however, 
only the three vehicles whose owners were cited were found to be in 
possession of illegal items. According to Leven, the sweep was requested to 
ensure the safety of the plant's employees.

"Safety is very important to us and the people who work here need to be 
alert," Leven said, noting use of drugs on the job is a major safety concern.

Leven said he believes the employees were glad to see the surprise inspection.

"By in large, I think they were happy to see we were concerned about their 
safety here," Leven said, noting he plans to request similar inspections in 
the future.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Beth