Pubdate: Fri, 16 Nov 2012
Source: Flint Journal (MI)
Copyright: 2012 Flint Journal
Contact: http://www.mlive.com/mailforms/fljournal/letters/
Website: http://www.mlive.com/flint/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/836
Author: David Harris

PRO-POT GROUP LAW ENFORCEMENT AGAINST PROHIBITION CALLS OUT FLINT FOR 
CONTINUING TO ARREST ADULTS WITH MARIJUANA

FLINT, MI -- A group of law enforcement officials who favor the 
legalization of marijuana criticized the city of Flint for continuing 
to arrest adults caught with weed despite voters last week approving 
the decriminalization of the drug.

Voters last week approved an amendment in the city ordinance that 
removes penalties for anyone 19 years or older who have less than an 
ounce of marijuana on private property. But a day later, the city 
issued a statement saying police would continue to make arrests.

The city called the vote "symbolic in nature."

The Massachusetts-based group, Law Enforcement Against Prohibition, 
issued a statement Wednesday condemning the city's actions. Executive 
Director Neill Franklin said the move is in "direct violation" of 
voters' wishes. The vote was approved with 54 percent in favor of the change.

Franklin, who retired as a major with the Maryland State Police and 
also worked with Baltimore police, said the drug trade causes 
violence in a community. Police officers have better things to do, he said.

"We signed on because we want to be effective in protecting people 
from bad people," Franklin said. "How about us police getting back to 
solve violent crimes (and) crimes against our children? Why waste 
your time arresting people for marijuana possession?"

The organization is for legalizing not just marijuana but all drugs, 
Franklin said,

Various states and cities decriminalized marijuana last week, most 
notably Colorado and Washington state. Michigan cities that 
decriminalized the drug last week are Grand Rapids and Detroit. The 
issue is some states, including Michigan, and federal law still 
consider the drug illegal.

Aside from Flint police, the Flint Area Narcotics Group and Michigan 
State Police also are sticking to state law that says marijuana is 
still illegal. Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton has said he 
will review cases as they come to his office.

The city is staying by its decision to continue making pot arrests, 
calling it "misguided" to follow the ordinance change.

"Flint is a political subdivision of the state of Michigan and is 
governed by state law," Flint City Attorney Pete Bade said in a 
statement. "Our police officers take an oath to uphold state law and 
have a duty to do so. It is misguided to think that an ordinance 
amendment somehow circumvents state law. If the pro-marijuana group 
wishes to change state law, there are processes for them to do so." 
Franklin said the majority of communities, particularly in Colorado 
and Washington, are adhering to the new law. He said his organization 
will continue to ask the U.S. Department of Justice to allow 
communities to decriminalize the drug.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom