Pubdate: Thu, 05 Dec 2002
Source: Sun Herald (MS)
Copyright: 2002, The Sun Herald
Contact:  http://www.sunherald.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/432
Author: Robin Fitzgerald

NEW DRUG UNIT CHIEF NO LAWMAN

TV Station Exec Won't Take Salary

Gov. Ronnie Musgrove on Wednesday named a television station executive from 
Jackson to lead the state Bureau of Narcotics.

Several South Mississippi police officials declined to comment on the 
governor's choice of Frank Melton, whose appointment became effective 
immediately. He fills a position vacated last month when Director Don 
Strange Jr. resigned, citing repeated budget cuts.

Harrison County Sheriff George H. Payne Jr. was the only Coast official 
willing to comment Wednesday about the governor's choice of someone who has 
no formal training in law enforcement. Payne believes that if anyone can 
make a positive difference in the agency, it's Melton.

However, Melton's lack of experience in law enforcement could be 
detrimental to the bureau's mission, according to Stephen Mallory, a 
25-year veteran of the bureau and chairman of the criminal justice 
department at the University of Southern Mississippi.

Melton, 53, is perhaps best known in Hinds County, where he posted 
billboard pictures of known drug pushers, held anti-drug programs and 
volunteered for summer youth programs.

"Maybe his management skills and charismatic personality will overcome his 
lack of expertise," Mallory said.

The governor, in a written statement, said the bureau "needs a director who 
will see the bureau not for what it is, but for what it can become."

Melton will not receive a salary, said John Sewell, a spokesman for the 
governor. "That shows you the level of his commitment," Sewell said.

State law doesn't require the head of the bureau to have a background in 
law enforcement. However, the law requires that the director attend a 
narcotics school run by the U.S. Justice Department.
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