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UNUSUAL NUMBER OF MARIJUANA ARRESTS OCCUR

Since the start of the spring 2012 semester, three students have been arrested on LMU's campus by the Los Angeles Police Department ( LAPD ) for the possession of marijuana with the intent to sell.  In comparison, no students were arrested during fall 2011, according to the Department of Public Safety ( DPS ) Captain of Investigations and Record Management Cristina Martin.  Martin also told the Loyolan that during the entirety of the 2010-2011 school year, six students were arrested for charges related to marijuana.

Chief of DPS Hampton Cantrell said that this was an unusual number of arrests for a semester at LMU.

"We're speculating it is because of ...  a relaxed feeling about the law with our students regarding marijuana," said Cantrell.  "I know Public Safety, as well as Residence Life, continues to emphasize that marijuana is prohibited on our campus, despite issues of medical marijuana, etc.  And it is very important for us to emphasize that."

The Jan.  12 issue of the Loyolan reported that two students in the Tendrich Apartments were arrested for the possession of marijuana with the intent to sell on Jan.  10.  According to Cantrell, another student was arrested in Del Rey North on Jan.  16 for the same charge.  In addition to legal action from LAPD, the students' cases were also referred to Judicial Affairs.

DPS handles marijuana cases itself when it appears that the amount of the drug present - and the marijuana-related paraphernalia present, if any - is only for personal use.  However, when DPS suspects that there is an intent to sell, LAPD is contacted.

"Otherwise, our general rule is if it is less than an ounce, a misdemeanor or infraction level, that we do take a report and refer to Judicial Affairs.  The marijuana is confiscated, and it is eventually turned over to LAPD; usually every quarter we turn all of our contraband items over to LAPD," Cantrell said.

Despite the spike in arrests, Cantrell does not foresee a change in policy at the moment.

"It does prompt discussions around what we can do better in getting the message across that this is serious, and that students should take it seriously because of the possibility of it impacting career," Cantrell said.

Captain Brian P.  Johnson, LAPD Pacific Division's patrol commanding officer, also cautioned students to remember the implications such legal action can have on their futures.

"I think these individuals have to consider what it's doing, not only to them or their families or the reputation of the school, but how is it going to impact their ability to get a job or do any type of volunteer work if they have a criminal record?" Johnson said.  "So that's something they will have to consider into their adult life," he said.