Jackson Network Meeting

It was a pleasure speaking to about 100 law enforcement leaders in West Tennessee at the Network meeting. The various chiefs, and other ranking officers were a great audience learning more about McNeely, the reorganized DUI law and Ignition Interlock laws. I finally got to meet Sgt. Dan Owen, the arresting officer in State v Butler, the physical control case that arose in the Jackson Wal-Mart parking lot. I got to tell him how I teach cadets about physical control by having them act out the scenario. It was a highlight for me. Stan and Mary Flowers from MADD also spoke. They have given much  of their lives to the fight against impaired driving after an impaired driver took much of their lives away. Brenda Jones, the GHSO network coordinator does an extraordinary job putting these meetings together.

Smoking pot with a 7 month old child in car

I think some parenting classes may be in order for this 20 year old guy. If you are driving under the influence, smoking pot with a 7 month old in the car, there is a problem. Read about this arrest at:

McMinn County man allegedly eats pot during traffic stop - WRCBtv.com | Chattanooga News, Weather & Sports

Motorcycle injuries worsen with weaker helmet law » The Commercial Appeal

Motorcycle injuries worsen with weaker helmet law » The Commercial Appeal

DUI Convictions in 2013

Through the end of March, there have been nearly the same number of convictions posted to Driver's Licenses this year as there were through June, 2012. There have been 18,526 posted in 2013, only 1100 short of the 12 months of 2012. If the trend continues the final 3 months of the fiscal year ending in June, there will be about 5,000 more convictions this year than last.

The 24/7 solution is working in Montana

Montana has embraced a 24/7 alcohol testing program for multiple DUI offenders. The offenders must either report to take a breath test twice a day or wear a transdermal alcohol devise.  Each breath test costs the offender $2. The transdermal devise is $8 per day, but does not involve reporting in. The devise is read every week to see if there were any alcohol consumption violations. It seems like this solution would be a good one especially for some of our rural counties.
Read more about the program at:
Officials, participants tout early success of 24/7 Sobriety Program | KAJ18.com | Kalispell, Montana

Vehicular Homicide by intoxication in Anderson County

An Anderson County crash that ended with three people killed and three cars crushed and mangled in November has resulted in an indictment. Read about this pending case at:
Marlow man charged with vehicular homicide for two deaths after three-car crash

Traffic Stop Results in 300 lbs of marijuana

A routine DUI traffic stop resulted in the discovery of 335 pounds of marijuana in fifteen separate packages. Deputies from the Union County Sheriff's Department stopped Martin Urrutia Olmedo, 26, of Knoxville, and discovered the drugs. Olmedo, who is presumed innocent will now face several charges. Read about it at:
Union County traffic stop nets 300-plus pounds of pot » Knoxville News Sentinel