Introduction
A number of states have newly passed legislation concerning the illegal methamphetamine drug (Robin Carnahan, 2010). One of the legislation demands that property contaminated through the production of meth is placed on publicly accessible online registry to warn prospective client. In addition, there is yet another legislation that requires that those individuals implicated with either the possession or manufacturing of methamphetamine are placed on a registry. Such a registry should be accessible to the public online over a given time.
Controlling the Crime by Registration
The notion of placing the names of meth offenders on register is gaining popularity. Based on Kari Huus report (2006), four states have formed legislations to develop internet meth criminal registry. Momentarily, two states are at the commencement of completing similar laws whereas a lot other proposed bills are hanging awaiting the beginning of new government session. Nevertheless critics argue that registries raise legal issue over little public protection. This is in addition to the fact that they may be accompanied by adverse consequences.
According to Jonathan T., these registries would lead to a category of people who would face difficulties in securing jobs or acquiring rental houses. Moreover, the possibility of ex-criminal to acquire jobs or residential houses will lead to increased chances of crime. In 2005, the state of Tennessee became the first to establish a criminal registry for meth felons. At the time, the state had one of the highest rates of meth abuse. The effect of the drug has adequately been felt even in seemingly rural regions, where addiction is exacerbated by risk of food contamination by methamphetamine in homes. At the moment there are nearly 400 meth felons in Tennessee. The state laws, in line with the other states that have also established similar laws regarding the conviction of meth felons, only take into account those individuals who are already convicted of either manufacturing or trafficking meth, and not those caught possessing the drug. However, in the methamphetamine scenario, this implies that also people who cook meth in their home sink for individual consumption could be placed in the registries.
According to critics these registries offers little help to the public because it does not give the photograph of the offender and it does not dictate them to disclose their identity to authorities when they relocate. In fact Bill Piper, director of national affairs at the non-profit drug policy regards it as symbol of false accomplishment for the politicians. He further argues that instead of investing on registries, the government should invest on public education and providing top treatment options to combat addiction. The state of George is at the moment preparing to establish strict registry laws that would ensure that the manufacturers of meth are retained on the created list for a period of not less than seven years. In addition, there are also plans to ensure that the registry also has the victims’ latest address and photos. On the other hand, in Indiana law makers are contemplating how far to go with the introduction of a methamphetamine registry. Minnesota was scheduled to begin its registry towards the end of 2006 while Illinois was planning for March 2007. The state of Montana includes methamphetamine criminal on its internet list of violent and sexual offenders.
Conclusion
Ludendorff (2008) argues that Methamphetamine is a drug that poses a big challenge to the legislators, health care practitioners, social service providers, as well as the criminal justice system. In states experiencing serious meth problems, registries provide opportunity for general public, landlords and employers to guard themselves against harmful effect of meth consumption and manufacture. According to Mike Coan (Georgia state rep.) who is chairing meth registry legislation, registration of meth offender in the national database helps to inform the public members of community meth manufacturer or sellers.
Reference List
Carnahan, R. (2010). Methamphetamine Registries, Web.
Ludendorff, A. B. (2008). Methamphetamine Offenders’ Registries: Are The Rights Of Non-Dangerous Offenders Cooked? Kansas Journal of Law and Public Policy, Web.
Kari, H. (2006). Crime and Court: Internet Listing Have Popular Appeal, But Do They Really Protect the Public? Web.