Could a sex offender be driving that ice cream truck? www.privateofficer.com
Posted by privateofficernews on July 6, 2008
Could sex offenders be driving that ice cream truck? www.privateofficer.com
NASHVILLE, Tenn. June 6 2008
“Special Reporter”
Jeremy Wayne Carr
Ntl. Assoc. Private Officers
www.privateofficers.com A new law aiming to keep sex offenders from driving ice cream trucks is in effect, and the I-Team reports that the law was needed.
The law went into effect this week, and the I-Team’s Jeremy Finley reported that sex offenders have driven the trucks for years and that the Metro Health Department is launching inspections.
Ivan Pryor was convicted of attempted aggravated sexual battery. Michael Dean was convicted of rape. Both men have driven ice cream trucks
Even though a law going into effect this week forbids sex offenders from driving ice cream trucks, the I-Team found a loophole.
“You’re not really sure who is driving the truck,” said parent Enola Walton.
While companies like Goody Wagons of Nashville require all its drivers to undergo criminal background checks, the state of Tennessee does not mandate it.
“We don’t want anyone here with a rape charge or aggravated assault,” said company representative Scott Thomason.
Despite the new law, no company is required to do background checks, so some fear that independent operators will hire whomever they please.
“I think people should be checked out who come into contact with children on a daily basis,” Walton said.
There’s also question about the safety of the food.
“Have your trucks ever been inspected by the health department?” Finley asked Thomason.
“Not since I’ve been here,” he said.
Even though the state mandates it, the Metro Health Department hasn’t inspected ice cream trucks for decades. But Finley reported that the department’s practice changed once the I-Team began asking questions.
“Each inspector has been alerted to look for these trucks that are operating out there,” said Metro Health Department representative Jerry Rowland.
The health department said there has never been much concern because bacteria can’t grow on frozen food.
But a department representative said it has heard of trucks selling more than just ice cream.
“The real concern we have is not the Popsicles, it’s what else the vendor could be selling,” Rowland said.
The driver of the first truck the health department inspected a few days ago wasn’t permitted to sell food.
Residents should make sure they know who their children are buying food from. Find out the company’s policy for criminal background checks, and if they’re selling food that’s not prepackaged, look to see if they’ve been inspected by the health department, Finley reported.
The law went into effect this week, and the I-Team’s Jeremy Finley reported that sex offenders have driven the trucks for years and that the Metro Health Department is launching inspections.
Ivan Pryor was convicted of attempted aggravated sexual battery. Michael Dean was convicted of rape. Both men have driven ice cream trucks
Even though a law going into effect this week forbids sex offenders from driving ice cream trucks, the I-Team found a loophole.
“You’re not really sure who is driving the truck,” said parent Enola Walton.
While companies like Goody Wagons of Nashville require all its drivers to undergo criminal background checks, the state of Tennessee does not mandate it.
“We don’t want anyone here with a rape charge or aggravated assault,” said company representative Scott Thomason.
Despite the new law, no company is required to do background checks, so some fear that independent operators will hire whomever they please.
“I think people should be checked out who come into contact with children on a daily basis,” Walton said.
There’s also question about the safety of the food.
“Have your trucks ever been inspected by the health department?” Finley asked Thomason.
“Not since I’ve been here,” he said.
Even though the state mandates it, the Metro Health Department hasn’t inspected ice cream trucks for decades. But Finley reported that the department’s practice changed once the I-Team began asking questions.
“Each inspector has been alerted to look for these trucks that are operating out there,” said Metro Health Department representative Jerry Rowland.
The health department said there has never been much concern because bacteria can’t grow on frozen food.
But a department representative said it has heard of trucks selling more than just ice cream.
“The real concern we have is not the Popsicles, it’s what else the vendor could be selling,” Rowland said.
The driver of the first truck the health department inspected a few days ago wasn’t permitted to sell food.
Residents should make sure they know who their children are buying food from. Find out the company’s policy for criminal background checks, and if they’re selling food that’s not prepackaged, look to see if they’ve been inspected by the health department, Finley reported.
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