Public back cannabis trial
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BBC News
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Thursday, 21 March, 2002, 08:11 GMT <\/b><\/p>\n
The pro-cannabis lobby has grown in recent years<\/p>\n
A survey of residents is expected to back the “softly, softly” approach to possession of cannabis in the south London borough of Lambeth.
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The experiment, pioneered by controversial Metropolitan Police Commander Brian Paddick, is thought to have saved many hours of police time. <\/p>\n
Scotland Yard’s own review will show crime figures in the area have fallen, while arrests for more serious drugs offences have risen. <\/p>\n
Commander Paddick was moved from his post in Lambeth earlier this week while accusations about his private life are investigated, but many in the borough believe he should return. <\/p>\n
Since July 2001, people caught with cannabis in the borough have been dealt with informally rather than arrested. <\/p>\n
People found in possession of small quantities are let off with a formal warning rather than being arrested or cautioned. <\/p>\n
And the independent survey of the borough’s residents is expected to show broad-based support for this new approach. <\/p>\n
Street robbery <\/p>\n
Mayoral policing adviser Lee Jasper told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme both reports showed the scheme had worked effectively. <\/p>\n
“By-products of relaxation in relation to cannabis [laws] have been proven to lead to crime reduction – certainly in street robbery – and had a huge impact in relation to dealing with class A hard drugs particularly crack cocaine.” <\/p>\n
Mr Jasper said the “sensible attitude” had “freed up tremendous police resources”, as well as offering research for a wider debate. <\/p>\n
There’s really only one answer and that’s treat it in the same way we treat tobacco <\/p>\n
Francis Wilkinson
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Ex-chief constable
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“The government should be seriously thinking about decriminalising cannabis.” <\/p>\n
The scheme is taking place in the context of government signals that it wishes to re-classify cannabis from a class ‘B’ to a class ‘C’ drug. <\/p>\n
But Home Secretary David Blunkett has emphasised that although he wants to reclassify cannabis he does not intend to legalise or decriminalise it. <\/p>\n
Praise for scheme <\/p>\n
Cannabis possession and supply would remain a criminal offence, attracting maximum sentences of five years for supply and two years for possession. <\/p>\n
But rather than arresting people caught with cannabis, police will be more likely to issue a warning, a caution or a court summons. <\/p>\n
Francis Wilkinson, former chief constable of Gwent and patron of drugs charity Transform, told Today the Lambeth scheme was only “fine as an experiment”. <\/p>\n
“It has had a positive local effect, but it’s not a responsible line for national policy. <\/p>\n
“A government can’t seriously say we will allow the stuff to be used… but we are still going to target the people who import it. <\/p>\n
Reinstatement call <\/p>\n
“There’s really only one answer and that’s treat it in the same way we treat tobacco, legalise it root-and-branch.” <\/p>\n
Last November, a home office minister praised the relaxed cannabis laws being piloted in Lambeth. <\/p>\n
Bob Ainsworth, on a visit to the area, said the introduction of a trial project in the London borough had so far been a success. <\/p>\n
Supporters of Commander Paddick are planning to call for his reinstatement at a meeting of the Metropolitan Police Authority. <\/p>\n
Lambeth residents who support him are attending a scheduled full meeting of the authority on Thursday where they will be supported by members of the London Assembly Green Group who sit on the authority. <\/p>\n
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