Pubdate: Fri, 02 Aug 2002
Source: Province, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2002 The Province
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/vancouver/theprovince/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/476
Author: Janice Parker,  Heather Lapierre,  Mike Simpson, Jeff Roberts
Related: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v02/n1430/a02.html
Note: Other webpages are -
http://www.canada.com/vancouver/theprovince/letters/story.asp?id={6F8E819B-1BB1-4DC3-BB2C-809795B808A6}
and
http://www.canada.com/vancouver/theprovince/letters/story.asp?id={E039F2CB-6839-49E3-85A8-D267A823244C}

HERE'S WHAT YOU SAID ABOUT: THE USE OF POLICE DOGS TO SNIFF OUT POT IN
VEHICLES ON B.C. FERRIES 

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Although I understand the need for cutting off traffickers and major
grow-ops, this is a total invasion of privacy and I am certain this violates
our right to freedom.

I wonder if the police will start randomly searching everyone on SkyTrain
and bus routes around Main and Hastings?

Janice Parker,

Vancouver

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It is my understanding that the ferry system is an extension of the highway
system.

Does this mean that we can be stopped on the highway at any time without
reasonable cause and have a cop and his dog "vacuum" our cars for drugs?
Maybe a "squeegee cop" with his dog?

At a time when the police are whining that they don't have enough manpower
or resources to fight real crime, this seems like a supreme waste of time
and taxpayers' money, particularly when politicians are debating the merits
of decriminalizing marijuana.

Heather Lapierre,

North Vancouver

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Give these people a real crime, such as the missing women in East Vancouver
or someone slaughtering young women in northern B.C., and they avoid getting
involved until forced to by the public.

But give them a chance to hassle the public and look out.

What's next? Roadblocks on every bridge entering Vancouver with the dogs out
in force?

Mike Simpson

Surrey

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Canadians are sick of police wasting tax-payers' money to harass marijuana
users. Pot smokers are not criminals.

Why aren't the cops looking for the guy who ripped off my bike instead?

Regarding the searches on the ferries, I advise the cops and those harassed
by them to take a look at Article 8 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and
Freedoms: "Everyone has the right to be secure against unreasonable search
or seizure."

Jeff Roberts,

West Vancouver
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