Pubdate: Mon, 18 Mar 2002 Source: Reuters (Wire) Copyright: 2002 Reuters Limited Author: Michael Holden GAY UK POLICEMAN REMOVED FROM JOB AFTER DRUG CLAIM LONDON, March 18 (Reuters) - A senior British policeman who pioneered a "softly, softly" approach on cannabis was removed from his job on Monday after allegations by his gay ex-lover that he had used the drug himself. Commander Brian Paddick, who denies the allegations, was being moved from running policing in the crime hotspot of Lambeth, south London, to non-operational policing duties while an inquiry was being held, Scotland Yard said in a statement. The decision followed talks between the Metropolitan Police Authority (MPA) and the capital's top cop Sir John Stevens early on Monday, as a result of revelations about Paddick's private life published by a Sunday newspaper. The policeman's former partner, James Renolleau, claimed in The Mail on Sunday that he and Paddick had regularly smoked marijuana at their London flat during a five year long relationship. "Obviously I am very disappointed to be leaving Lambeth -- albeit it temporarily," Paddick, well-known for being Britain's highest-ranking officer who is openly gay, told reporters on Monday. The allegations come just months after Paddick introduced a relaxed attitude towards cannabis in Lambeth, an inner-city area notorious for drug-related crimes. People there are cautioned for possession rather than arrested. On Friday, Paddick, who once told a parliamentary inquiry into drugs reform he was not interested in taking action against "recreational" weekend users, said the measures had been a success, allowing police to arrest more people dealing in hard drugs such as heroin and crack-cocaine. Gay rights campaigners alleged Paddick was being picked on because of his sexuality. "This is just so typical of what can still happen, and it will certainly be seen by many gay and lesbian police officers today as no encouragement or inducement for them to come out and be open about their sexuality," Stephen Warwick, from the Lesbian and Gay Police Association, told BBC radio. The inquiry into the allegations will be headed by officers from another British police force. "People who stick their necks out in any large organisation often get attacked from within," Tony Harris, chair of the MPA, told the BBC. "We're very keen to make sure that is not something allowed to happen but where serious allegations are made they have to be investigated." It is the second time in a week that Paddick, lampooned by Britain's tabloid press and dubbed "Commander Crackpot" by one paper, has been hauled in by his bosses for a dressing down. Last Monday he was summoned to explain comments he made to a radical Web site that he found anarchy "attractive." Using the name "Brian: The Commander," Paddick told www.urban75.com that "the concept of anarchy has always appealed to me." Police chiefs then gave Paddick a ticking-off, but decided he should remain in his post. - --- MAP posted-by: Josh