Pubdate: Wed, 25 Jan 2006
Source: Norman Transcript (OK)
Copyright: 2006 The Norman Transcript
Contact:  http://www.normantranscript.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/552
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

METH REGISTRY KEEPS PUBLIC IN THE LOOP FOR PROTECTION

A methamphetamine registry that alerts the public about the presence 
of a previous offender sounds like a good measure of protection but 
will require the state to do more than just require registration.

House Speaker Todd Hiett and Rep. John Nance have announced plans to 
seek legislation building the online database. They'll offer up a 
bill when the legislature opens next month.

To some extent, the database already exists in another form. Some of 
the state's court filings are online but it requires the offender's 
name before one could call up previous charges and dispositions. 
Cleveland County's filings are online and well-maintained.

The database envisioned by Mr. Hiett and Mr. Nance requires county 
officials to send names and addresses of anyone convicted and 
sentenced of manufacturing and distributing methamphetamine to state 
authorities. Web users would be able to search the database by last 
name or by county. It's patterned after a similar law in Tennessee.

Meth offenders who stayed clean for seven years could get their names removed.

Landlords who wanted to check out a potential tenant could use the 
database so as to not expose future renters to the toxins that come 
with meth labs. A clean-up costs much more than a few months rent.

Sharing public information is done all the time. Landlords in Enid 
put together a list of potential tenants who had trashed rental 
property. But, we also have instances that leave a lot to be desired. 
The state registry for sex offenders for example. A registry is 
completed, but may or may not be updated when an offender moves. As 
an example, just take a look at any of the current sites and see how 
many offenders are registered in multiple locations. The state's good 
about getting information on there, not so good about keeping it current.

The legislators' idea sounds reasonable to us. It should work in 
tandem with the new law that requires pharmacies to check drivers' 
licenses when a person buys over-the-counter cold medicines that 
contain meth ingredients. It's a small inconvenience to legitimate 
buyers but poses a big problem for meth users and cooks.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom