The Drug Investigation Division of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), in partnership with the Governor’s Office, the Tennessee Police Chiefs Association, the Tennessee Retail Association and the Tennessee Sheriffs Association, today launched the Tennessee MethWatch Program – a new statewide effort designed to crack down on the spread of methamphetamines.

“Meth abuse is reaching epidemic proportions in Tennessee, particularly in rural communities. I want to get serious about cracking down on the problem,” said Governor Phil Bredesen. “We’re working with lawmakers to develop a comprehensive effort to address the problem, but the MethWatch program represents a critical first step. The only way to truly address the problem is to get everyone working together – from TBI to local law enforcement officials, from retailers to citizens.”

The MethWatch program combines a public information campaign with an intelligence collection system, centering on a 24-hour TBI meth hotline 1-877-TNN-METH (877-866-6384). It is intended to provide both a simple and cost-effective means of deterring meth manufacture and gathering critical intelligence about potential violators for law enforcement.

“Efforts similar to MethWatch have proven very effective in other places,” said Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Interim Director David Griswold. “The hope is that by taking the initiative statewide, existing efforts to crackdown on the production of meth can be augmented.”

The MethWatch program was conceived during last year’s session of the General Assembly. During hearings on proposed meth legislation, Sen. Charlotte Burks and others met with representatives of the TBI to explore a voluntary meth precursor deterrence program. The Tennessee Retail Association and Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police subsequently committed their support to help get the program off the ground.

As a result of the MethWatch initiative, an aggressive public information campaign is being launched to education the public about the problem, and in turn, solicit the help of retailers and the community at large in identifying and reporting potentially suspicious behavior.

As part of the campaign, TBI has established a toll-free statewide hotline that makes it easier for citizens to report questionable behavior. All suspicious activity reported to the hotline will be followed up on by state and local law enforcement officials.

“Most counties across the state have fallen victim to the dangerous manufacture and use of methamphetamine. Law enforcement agencies have expended valuable resources to detect, deter and prosecute these offenders. We have often sought the help of the community to assist with enforcement efforts, but the MethWatch public information campaign and intelligence collection system expands these efforts greatly,” said Tennessee Sheriffs’ Association President Sheriff Norman Lewis.

In addition, a more focused public education effort is being waged in partnership with retailers across the state. Methamphetamine, known as the “poor man’s cocaine,” is often manufactured from commonly available household chemicals like cold medicines, lithium batteries and household cleansers. Signs and posters identifying these items will be prominently displayed in hundreds of businesses across the state that sell the products used in making meth.

“Retailers in this state want to be on the front line to deter the use and manufacturing of meth in Tennessee. We see this program as a great first step to combat the meth problem,” said Tennessee Retailers Association Director Russell Palk.

Recent statistics show clandestine manufacture and abuse of methamphetamine is reaching epidemic proportions in certain areas, particularly the Cumberland Plateau.

“The MethWatch Program is a great, cost-effective first step in winning the war against meth in our communities,” said Cookeville Police Chief Bob Terry. “In fact, the Cookeville Police Dept. launched its MethWatch program four months ago. It has given our retailers an opportunity to join us in the battle against the manufacture of methamphetamine.”

Members of the General Assembly are also praising the program. State Sen. Charlotte Burks said, “Meth is devastating families all across Tennessee, especially in rural areas. The 15th Senatorial District and the Upper Cumberland Region has been affected more than any other region in the state. There is no doubt that the manufacturing, sale and use of methamphetamine is fast becoming a huge problem in our communities and it is running rampant in our state. I appreciate the efforts of the TBI in implementing the Tennessee MethWatch Program. It’s time to take serious measures to stop the spread of this devastating drug and this program is a good start.”

State Rep. Judd Matheny said, “With the advent of MethWatch, the State of Tennessee now has a cost effective, easy to use and comprehensive program aimed directly at hitting meth where it hurts the most.”