Pubdate: Thu, 27 Dec 2001 Source: State, The (SC) Copyright: 2001 The State Contact: http://www.thestate.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/426 Author: Monique Angle SOUTH CONGAREE COMBATING DRUGS South Congaree police have increased traffic stops and patrols to crack down on drug crime. Mayor Johnny White, who has been in office since January, said he's taking drug crime seriously. "We're picking up some more cases, and we want to be able to combat that," he said. "I don't like our young people exposed to that." Police chief Jamie Lucas said drug arrests in South Congaree are primarily for marijuana possession. However, officers have arrested individuals for heroine and crack possession over the past few months, Lucas said. "The whole thing has opened my eyes," White said. "People are freely hauling around cocaine. We're finding some of that more than we used to marijuana." The problem mainly centers on people who drive through the town on S.C. 302, not those who live there, Lucas said. Lucas said drug activity isn't necessarily increasing, but that the town is taking greater action against drug crimes since he took office in April. In order to step up patrolling, Lucas has increased the size of the police department by three officers. There are now five full-timers and five reserve officers, part-time volunteers who have the same training and power as regular officers. The town also is applying for a state grant to get a full-time narcotics officer. The town also has been strengthening and creating new policies concerning drug arrests, police responsibilities, alcohol possession and reckless driving. In October, the town made it a crime to resist arrest or possess drug paraphernalia. A person suspected of either crime now must plead his or her case in the town's municipal court. In the past, the town would defer the enforcement of such crimes to General Sessions Court, where they are often dropped or pleaded down. At December's regular meeting, council approved the following policies: * Random drug testing of law enforcement officers. * Town employees are now barred from possessing alcohol, non-prescribed controlled drugs or marijuana at town workplaces. * Careless driving in town is now a crime. The town previously had either no or limited rules concerning the above policies. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth