Pubdate: Sat, 16 Apr 2016
Source: Daily Mail (UK)
Copyright: 2016 Associated Newspapers Ltd
Contact:  http://www.dailymail.co.uk/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/108
Author: Chris Greenwood

POLICE CHIEF WHO'D LEGALISE HEROIN IS GIVEN TOP JOB

A CHIEF constable who wants to legalise drugs has been charged with 
overseeing how officers tackle the menace nationwide.

Mike Barton believes some Class A and B drugs should be made legal 
and, in some cases, handed out for free to addicts.

Despite his controversial views, the officer has now been quietly 
elected to an influential role at the National Police Chiefs' Council 
(NPCC). The move provoked fury from critics who warned legalising 
drugs would simply create a new set of challenges.

Mr Barton was elected to lead 'crime operations' by his peers, 
replacing respected Merseyside chief Sir Jon Murphy.

The officer, from Durham Constabulary, has campaigned to introduce 
'consumption rooms' where addicts can inject drugs in safety. He also 
wants drugs including cocaine, heroin and cannabis to be legalised.

Simon Stephens, of Addictions UK, warned any move to decriminalise 
cannabis would have dire results. 'Legalisation will simply change 
the nature of the problem,' he said.

Mr Stephens added: 'From a police point of view it makes perfect 
sense if we decriminalise all drugs as there will be no drug dealers, 
no black market and therefore no crimes.'

The NPCC, which was formed last April, replaces the discredited 
Association of Chief Police Officers. The organisation aims to help 
police cut crime and keep the public safe from the most serious threats.

Its chair Sara Thornton said Mr Barton beat two others and that she 
has already discussed with him the 'importance of representing the 
views of the NPCC.'

A Home Office spokesman said: 'Decriminalising drugs would not 
eliminate the crime committed by their illicit trade, nor would it 
address the harms and destruction associated with drug dependence.'
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom