Pubdate: Mon, 04 Sep 2000
Date: 09/04/2000
Source: Denver Post (CO)
Author: Christopher A. Joseph
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v00/n1243/a06.html

Stash It

Re: "Cops admit "poor decision'; Probation in drug disposal," Aug. 26
news story.

I was appalled to read that two of your boys in blue opted to destroy
evidence confiscated in issuance of minor drug citations. Far better
that they should remain on the street and shake down more gang members
for pot and paraphernalia, enhancing revenue for the city by issuing
fines they "knew" no one would challenge.

My only question is that if they were going to violate policy, why not
keep a lockbox in the cruiser where they could file the contraband
away and fill out requisite paperwork while waiting for the next
school of fish to swim by? They could have dropped it all off at the
end of the day, meeting their Constitutional requirements and avoiding
all the running back and forth to the station they wanted to avoid.

Far better to have erred on the side of caution.

Now that the street is aware of what may well be "standard procedure,"
expect to see more pleas of "not guilty" and costly trials thrown out
of court due to lack of evidence.

If you think the drug war is costly now, just wait till users start
using your system against you by exercising their rights.

CHRISTOPHER A. JOSEPH,
Parma, Ohio