Pubdate: Fri, 22 Aug 2003
Source: Tomahawk, The (TN)
Copyright: 2003 The Tomahawk Online
Contact:  http://www.thetomahawk.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1977
Author: Barbara Dunn
Note: This is the fourth in a series of articles that will show how illegal 
methamphetamine production and use will affect the people of Johnson County.
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

PROBLEMS WITH METH EXTEND BEYOND THE SUPPLIER AND USER

Methamphetamine labs in Johnson County are usually small, producing
enough of the drug for the cooker's use, plus some to sell to raise
the money necessary for making another run.

So far, this series has examined contamination of the property where
the lab is located, pollution to the land and water, and harm to
children exposed to the chemicals. These are the obvious and immediate
results but there are more, less noticeable effects from the existence
of these labs.

As production increases, more and more time will be dedicated by law
enforcement to finding and eradicating each lab location. This will
put a heavy burden on the Johnson County Sheriff's Department and the
Mountain City Police Department. It is possible that officers will be
spending less time on normal activities and devoting more time to
meth-related activities, leaving Johnson County residents more
vulnerable to crime.

As meth production and use increases, statistics show that the crime
rate also increases. The county could see a dramatic rise in breaking
and entering, armed robberies, car theft and other criminal activity.

Already over-burdened courts could see a sharp rise in cases being
presented, and the county's spacious new jail could become overcrowded
very quickly.

The drain on social services could also see an increase as lab
operators are captured and imprisoned. Their families could become
totally dependent on state and local resources for housing, food and
medical costs.

Children removed from meth labs are placed with relatives, if at all
possible, but some have to be taken into state custody. Johnson
Countians would be sharing the cost of caring for these children.

Since the labs are seldom located on property belonging to the lab
operator, the landowners will be burdened with the cost of cleanup and
the possible reduction in property value.

If Johnson County becomes known as a prime location for meth users and
labs, the influx of tourists and retirees could slow to a trickle,
resulting in a negative impact to the local economy.

Meth production and use can and will affect each and every person in
the county if the problem is not resolved.

Lisa Heaton, Johnson County Health Center Administrator and Chief
Nursing Officer, says the hospital's method for dealing with meth
decontamination is in place.

"When a child who has been exposed to a meth lab is brought in," says
Heaton, "we have strict protocols to follow. The first step is a
decontamination shower, during which a physician examines the child
for chemical burns and other physical evidence of exposure.

"Of course we comfort the child while he or she is going through this
process."

Heaton says the child's clothes and possessions are usually
contaminated also.

"We work with law enforcement to dispose of anything the child has
brought with them."

A hazardous materials company is consulted when such an incident
occurs.

"We contact the hazmat people to be given guidelines for disposal of
the decontamination shower water. We have a containment pool where the
water is held until we are told whether to release it or not."

Heaton says the hospital is concerned for everyone.

"Uppermost is our concern for the child, but we also worry about our
staff, the officers and our community.

"We do everything in our power to protect all these people from
harm."
- ---
MAP posted-by: Richard Lake