Pubdate: Sat, 16 Jun 2001
Source: Chicago Tribune (IL)
Copyright: 2001 Chicago Tribune Company
Contact:  http://www.chicagotribune.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/82
Note: Items compiled from Tribune news services

WARNINGS PLANNED FOR THOSE CAUGHT WITH MARIJUANA

LONDON, ENGLAND Scotland Yard plans to ease its enforcement of laws against 
possessing marijuana so officers can focus on arresting crack cocaine 
dealers and violent criminals, police said Friday.

As part of a pilot program in one high-crime district, London police will 
release people found with a small amount of marijuana with just a warning 
instead of bringing them to a police station for formal arrest, Scotland 
Yard said.

"We are not turning a blind eye to crime, but we have to prioritize," said 
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir John Stevens. "Possession and use of 
cannabis is not a priority."

The experimental program, whose start date has not been set, will allow 
officers to give on-the-spot warnings to those found with marijuana and 
then seize the drugs. Scotland Yard said officers will use their discretion 
to decide when the amount is large enough to merit arrest.

Stevens has said that processing an arrest for even the smallest amount of 
marijuana can take an officer off the streets for up to six hours.

Officials believe department resources could be better used against drug 
dealers and violent criminals.

If the program is successful in Lambeth it could be expanded.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom