Pubdate: Fri, 04 Nov 2005 Source: Tennessean, The (TN) Copyright: 2005 The Tennessean Contact: http://www.tennessean.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/447 Author: Woody Baird, Associated Press OFFICERS SWEEP STATE PRISON FOR CONTRABAND Search Targets Employees, Inmates, After Complaints Of Drug Rings Surface HENNING, Tenn. -- About 300 state officers swarmed Tennessee's largest prison in an unannounced search for banned items yesterday, months after lawmakers were told that inmates were running drug rings, probably with help from prison employees. Cell phones were a particular target in the search at the West Tennessee State Penitentiary because officials fear that inmates can use them by to plot crimes and avoid the routine monitoring. "It's an ability for them to have a private conversation," Correction Department spokeswoman Amanda Sluss said, adding that the prison 45 miles northeast of Memphis routinely has more cell phones seized than any other in the state. Drug dogs and electronic detection devices were used in the daylong search of all 2,500 male inmates and 800 employees. Reporters were allowed into a staging area on the 6,000-acre prison grounds but couldn't get close enough to see searches. A woman visiting the prison to pick up an inmate who was being released from custody was arrested on drug charges. Allison Charles, 23, of Rockford was jailed on charges of possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia and introducing contraband to a prison. "He got out, and she got in," Sluss said. "I'm not aware if he got a ride." Drug dogs identified at least six cars in the prison parking lot that should be searched, and some drugs also were taken from inmates, she said. Officials weren't ready to talk about what had been confiscated by agents from the Correction Department, Safety Department and Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, saying it probably would be next week before a final tally was ready. Authorities said it was the first time such an extensive search had been conducted at a Tennessee prison and more could occur at the state's other lockups. "Obviously something needs to be done, and I think it sends a clear message that we're not going to tolerate the illegal activities -- whether it be the inmates or the correctional officers," TBI Director Mark Gwyn said in Nashville. "I feel very good that both the TBI and the Department of Corrections have moved swiftly to deal with this issue," Gov. Phil Bredesen said. "No one has tried in any way to cover it up or sweep it under the rug." The operation has been planned since April, when some state lawmakers criticized the department for not cracking down on contraband. After Commissioner Quenton White told lawmakers that inmates probably were being helped by state prison employees to run drug rings from their cells, the legislature approved adding $481,000 to the corrections budget to pay for six drug dog units to detect and deter drug trafficking. Those dogs and their handlers are being trained and were expected to be in operation later this month, Sluss said. Yesterday's search used 34 drug-dog teams from state agencies and the Nashville, Memphis, Jackson and Martin police departments. Sen. Doug Jackson said yesterday that he was pleased to see the shakedown taking place at West Tennessee State Penitentiary. "I hope this marks a new day for the Department of Correction," Jackson, D-Dickson, said. Inmate advocates supported the raid. Removing weapons and drugs from the prisons makes it safer for inmates, their families and staff and "will create an environment that is conducive to rehabilitation," said Alice Arceneaux, executive director of Nashville-based Reconciliation Prison Ministry. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman