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| Legal Pot Activists Angry at Police |
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Posted by CN Staff on April 10, 2007 at 07:34:11 PT By Lou Kilzer, Rocky Mountain News Source: Rocky Mountain News 
Colorado -- Marijuana legalization advocates say they are furious with Denver police for arresting more people for misdemeanor possession after city residents voted to legalize the weed in 2005. Mason Tvert, who led the charge to get marijuana legalized, said the group will hold a noon news conference today at the steps of City Hall to decry the findings. Arrests for most minor crimes rose in Denver last year, and rose faster than marijuana arrests, following a change in policing philosophy. But Tvert said nothing can justify an 11 percent spike in marijuana possession arrests last year. "If there's one, it's too many," Tvert said. "They (police) have the discretion not to arrest." Although 54 percent of Denver voters approved legalizing possession of small amounts of marijuana by adults, it is still illegal under state law. Denver police have always said that they would continue to enforce state law. By December of last year, Denver reported that arrests for all crimes were up 14 percent, more than the increase in marijuana arrests. And misdemeanor arrests were up even more. Tvert said that blacks make up 32 percent of those arrested for possession, while comprising 11 percent of the city's population. Tvert plans to have retired Denver police Lt. Tony Ryan on hand to speak for retired law enforcement officers who favor legalization. Ryan said that many lawmen have known for years that "marijuana is not the evil, demonic gateway drug that some want you to believe it is." One person not sharing that idea is City Councilman Charlie Brown. "It's still state law," Brown said. "We can't be selective about the laws we enforce." Misdemeanor pot busts: • 2003 2,151 • 2004 1,912 • 2005 2,196 • 2006 2,446 Source: Denver Safety Office Of Policy Analysis Note: Possession busts rise despite city voters' OK. Newshawk: The GCW CannabisNews -- Cannabis Archives Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help |
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| Comment #3 posted by The GCW on April 10, 2007 at 12:38:29 PT |
| I hope the receive well written letters that get published. And be sure they received Your letter. Here are 2 more e-mail addressess. oelrichs@RockyMountainNews.com carrollv@RockyMountainNews.com [ Post Comment ] |
| Comment #2 posted by Zandor on April 10, 2007 at 08:27:05 PT |
| It's time they are hit where it really hurts them.....in their pocket book. Suspend the chief and every officer who made the public statement to the voting people. F&*%^K OFF!! "We don't care what you say or how you vote!" Suspend or out right fire them......the people need to remind every elected officials who is in charge. Remember who gives the police their power to arrest and carry weapon's.....it's the people. It's time to reminded them of that fact....they work for the people who pay their salary period. [ Post Comment ] |
| Comment #1 posted by duzt on April 10, 2007 at 08:04:35 PT |
| and when we change state law those same police will say they have to follow federal law. I have to follow Dutch law because I prefer it. If they get to pick and choose, so do I. [ Post Comment ] |
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