Thread: AL: Chambers County Targeting Illegal Interstate Trafficking

Chambers County Targeting Illegal Interstate Trafficking

Posted: Jan 21, 2008 07:59 PM PST


Chambers County deputies are spending this week learning how to spot illegal trafficking on the interstate. They're being trained by two Georgia sheriff's departments. Deputies are learning the Proactive Criminal Enforcement, or P.A.C.E., program.

Imagine your surprise driving along Interstate 85 in Valley when you're stopped by a deputy from either Butts or Decatur County, Georgia. They're in town this week teaching Chambers County deputies how to spot something wrong.

"We're looking for any type of criminal activity that spawns after a traffic stop. We stop for all types of violations, not just speeding," said Deputy Chad Payne, Butts County Sheriff's Department.

Chambers County is handling all traffic stops, but deputies are riding along in the Georgia cars. They're learning quickly as Monday got off to a fast start.

"We've met an 18-wheeler driver that has been convicted in the past for bringing illegal aliens into the U.S. We've come in contact already with illegal substances, which is marijuana," said Sgt. Terry Wood, Chambers County Sheriff's Office.

After 32 hours of classroom instruction, these Georgia deputies turn to hands-on training. They'll leave behind valuable knowledge that could slow down drug runners.

"We can show the guys how they use electronically or hydraulically-controlled compartments in vehicles to conceal the transportation of narcotics," Payne said.

Wood said this is just another example of different departments lending a hand to stop a growing problem.

"We've now went outside of Chambers County, working with other states, learning other states' ways of doing it and trying to bring it here and implement it here," Wood said.

Wood traveled to Georgia in November for the P.A.C.E. class. Butts and Decatur County deputies have trained more than 100 other departments. With I-85 only getting busier with growth, officers hope this will help keep crime down in Chambers County.

http://www.wsfa.com/global/story.asp?s=7753437

"We've met an 18-wheeler driver that has been convicted in the past for bringing illegal aliens into the U.S.

If the driver is an US citizen, he is a felon and shouldn't his commericial license and passport be revoked permanently for transporting illegal aliens?

If the driver is working for Bush's Mexican commercial pilot trucking program that Congress outlawed and Bush continues, he should be denied entry into the US and the company that employs him should be banned.

"We have had a Bush-Clinton crime spree in America that has lasted 27 years and we know it is all about oil, money and power." ~ Keith Olbermann