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.
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