Pubdate: Fri, 18 Oct 2002
Source: Pahrump Valley Times (NV)
Copyright: 2002 Pahrump Valley Times
Contact:  http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?brd=1125
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1531
Author: Lee Eisenstein
Cited: Marijuana Policy Project www.mpp.org
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?162 (Nevadans for Responsible Law 
Enforcement)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?163 (Question 9)

MORE OPINIONS ON POT FROM NEAR AND FAR (6 OF 6)

The dual news stories recently of the Nevada Conference of Police and 
Sheriffs first endorsing the proposed Nevada ballot initiative to amend 
current marijuana laws and then reversing their stance following NCOPS 
President Andy Anderson's resignation made for a sad commentary.

In the past 30 years, stringent and harsh criminal sanctions against 
responsible adult marijuana use have done nothing to reduce use. Rather 
they have helped create the largest criminal black market in the nation 
outside of arms and weapons. This criminal market helps fund more dangerous 
and violent activities which endanger not only police, but the public they 
serve.

Smart, street-wise police know full well the drag that enforcing marijuana 
prohibition laws have on their primary mission of protecting and serving 
the public. As the departing Anderson stated in his original endorsement of 
the initiative, " ... a single (marijuana) arrest would take anywhere from 
a couple of hours to about half my shift ... time that could have been 
better spent on the streets addressing violent crime."

More questions need to be asked of the eight NCOPS board members who 
backpedaled, claiming "confusion" as to what Anderson was asking them 
during his telephone survey. Further, close scrutiny should be used against 
any and all law officers who campaign against the initiative on taxpayer 
time. Police should be using their job hours to enforce the law, not lobby 
for or against proposed changes.

Respectfully submitted,

Lee Eisenstein

Lionel Standish Records

Kailua, Hawaii
- ---
MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens