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Cannabis Campaigners' Guide News Database result:
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UK: Police relax cannabis stance and deny
Ananova Tuesday 27 Mar 2001 Drug users found with small amounts of cannabis in Brixton are to be let off with a formal warning instead of being arrested. Under the policy officers will issue a warning and confiscate the drugs but the matter will go no further. Commander Brian Paddick, who has recently taken charge of policing in Lambeth, has denied that the move will turn Brixton into a Mini Amsterdam. He says the Brixton branch of the Metropolitan Police are introducing the policy to target resources on fighting deadly and addictive drugs such as crack. Mr Paddick adds confiscating drugs and issuing a warning on the street could take 10 minutes of a constable's time instead of up to 10 hours if the person is arrested, taken to a police station and formally cautioned. "Here an officer will seize the cannabis and it will be signed for by the suspect," Mr Paddick said. "It will be sealed and disposed of. The person in possession has to accept the warning - otherwise they will be arrested." When police stop and search people on the street, about half the arrests are for small amounts of cannabis. Those caught are usually cautioned and even go to court, usually ending up with a £50 fine. Mr Paddick added: "Brixton is known as a place to come and buy drugs. But if we move to this policy, the message will be that you may be able to come and buy - but you might not be able to leave with your purchase." Police regularly give similar warnings for minor offences, such as shoplifting. A Scotland Yard spokesman said: "I can confirm that police in Lambeth are introducing a policy of formal warning if someone is found in possession of small amounts of cannabis. This is allowed under guidelines from the Home Office."
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