Pubdate: Mon, 12 Aug 2002
Source: Monroe County Advocate and Democrat (TN)
Contact:  2002 East Tennessee Network.
Website: http://www.monroe.xtn.net/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1864
Author: Mia Rhodarmer
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)

DRUG TRADE

During the last school year there were about 33 drug-related arrests at the 
three high schools. The majority of those arrests stemmed from illegal use 
of prescription drugs, which authorities say is a growing problem in the 
schools.

The "old drugs" such as marijuana and cocaine are not as dominate in school 
as they once were, according to Albert Medina, School Resource Officer 
(SRO) at Tellico Plains High School. "It goes through phases," he said. 
Medina made three drug-related arrests at the high school last year.

The school resource officers at the high schools cited instances of 
students crushing prescription pain pills and snorting the powder which 
produces a quick rush.

Hyrdocodone and Xanax are two popular prescription drugs students are using 
illegally.

Sequoyah's SRO Randy Kirkland said another current trend is students 
crushing and snorting ritalin. Ritalin is often prescribed for children 
with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

"Taken by mouth it won't hurt you, but they crush it up and snort it," he 
said. As with the pain pills, snorting the powder gives an immediate high.

The students seem to be taking the pills from their parents or grandparents 
and selling them for $4-$5 per pill.

SRO Jim Kile filed seven drug-related charges at Sweetwater High School 
last year. Four of those were for misuse of prescription drugs.

The other three charges were for possession of marijuana. Kile said with 
the marijuana arrests, the student usually had one joint. Some of the 
students told him they didn't use marijuana, they had the joint "just for 
looks."

He did not have any instances of students selling marijuana on campus.

Last year at Sequoyah, Kirkland filed 23 charges for illegal drug use 
and/or possession. "This is the worst year I've had," he said.

Kirkland said most of those charges were related to illegal use of 
prescription drugs. Contrary to a rumor that circulated, he said there was 
not an overdose at the school, but a student had a severe reaction to diet 
pills.

The three officers agree, while the number of drug arrests may seem high, 
they represent a minor portion of the school population.

"Ninety-five percent are great kids," said Kirkland. "The others aren't bad 
kids, they make bad choices."

In 2000, the Monroe County juvenile court heard 618 cases on 432 children. 
According to Beth Stephens, director of juvenile court services, the 
referral reasons included two instances of sale of controlled substances, 
17 referrals for possession of a controlled substance and 10 for other drug 
offenses.

Those cases also included six DUI charges, 13 for possession or consumption 
of alcohol and five for public intoxication.

Stephens said a lot of juveniles are referred to the court on truancy 
charges, but there is usually "tons of other stuff going on" in their lives.

Kirkland said what is happening in the schools is reflective of problems 
off school grounds. "Schools mirror society, it doesn't matter where you're 
at," he said.

Kile agrees. "The percentages are way down, but they show drugs are here 
just like in society, but we're not being overrun with them." Although it's 
not an illegal substance, Kile said alcohol may be a bigger problem for 
students.

He said main stream society projects a picture of drinking as a rite of 
passage for teenagers. Through music, television, and movies, Kile said 
students receive the message "it's okay to drink as long as you're not 
doing drugs."

During the recent prom season, the schools presented programs urging 
students not to drink and drive.

Medina emphasizes that by driving under the influence people can hurt not 
only themselves, but also someone else. "It's hard to forget if you kill 
innocent people," he tells students. Losing their license can be a wake up 
call for some students. Kirkland said a juvenile charged with an alcohol or 
drug offense automatically loses his or her license.

"No questions asked," he said. "I can't preach that enough." Still, he 
said, some students are surprised when they end up in juvenile court and 
lose their license.

The Monroe County School System has a zero tolerance policy on drugs 
including any controlled substance or legend drug. Students found in 
possession of drugs are expelled for at least one calendar year. The 
director of schools can modify the expulsion on a case-by-case basis. 
Students may also be enrolled in the alternative school so they can 
continue their education.

The school system gives SROs and school personnel the authority to search 
students' vehicles and possessions if there is reasonable suspicion the 
student may be in possession of drugs.

Kile said Sweetwater has lockdowns about twice a year when officers and 
drug dogs conduct school-wide searches. Prior to the lockdown, Kile 
provides an amnesty box where students can place illegal items they might 
have without fear of punishment or being questioned.

"That's when we get a lot of tobacco products," he said. No illegal drugs 
were found during the last lockdown.

Kile said having an SRO on campus can be a big deterrent for students. "I 
get to know the kids on a one-on-one basis and they know I'm watching," he 
said.

Kile said the SROs are on campus for security purposes, but also to help 
students. They play a key role in educating students about the consequences 
of drug and alcohol. "We can teach kids what they can't learn on the 
street," said Kile. "We can take our experience and pass it on to them, 
give them options and knowledge."

Kile worked in narcotics before becoming an SRO. He periodically teaches a 
class on a specific drug such as marijuana, methamphethamine, ecstasy or 
cocaine.

Students learn the side effects of those drugs and how using them can 
affect their lives in the future.

Because of these classes, Kile said students have confided in him and come 
to him for help. The officers say earning the trust and respect of students 
helps them do a better job.

"I try to relate to students," said Medina. "Then they'll open up. Respect 
them and they'll respect you back."

Kirkland said he wants students to feel they can confide in him if they 
have a problem or suspect someone might have a drug or alcohol problem.

"No teenager should have to be in an environment where there is illegal 
drug use going on," he said.
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MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager