Pubdate: Tue, 27 Aug 2002 Source: Hamilton Spectator (CN ON) Copyright: The Hamilton Spectator 2002 Contact: http://www.hamiltonspectator.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/181 Author: Georgia Gray Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v02/n1593/a01.html?2048 A WASTE OF POLICE RESOURCES Pot Pursuit RE: 'Marijuana seized from MS sufferer; Didn't have authorization when charged' (Aug. 26). Hamilton's police appear very busy these days, taking medication from the disabled, sniffing out marijuana like bloodhounds, tracking down these "dangerous" individuals. Officers are either oblivious to the "real" criminals or there are just too many police. Let's put bylaw officers in charge of marijuana users; after all, users are pretty mellow, most can't run too fast, and some are disabled. Maybe we could use a seniors' volunteer brigade. Why use people trained in martial arts, baton use and gun handling to enforce an antiquated marijuana law that wastes time, money and manpower? Let's use the skills and services of our police where they're really needed - -- not on marijuana smokers. - -- Georgia Gray, Hamilton. - --- MAP posted-by: Tom