Pubdate: Tue, 02 Oct 2012
Source: Kalamazoo Gazette (MI)
Copyright: 2012 Kalamazoo Gazette
Contact: http://drugsense.org/url/vggfBDch
Website: http://www.mlive.com/kzgazette/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/588
Author: Ursula Zerilli

KALAMAZOO MARIJUANA ORDINANCE NOT EXPECTED TO IMPACT WESTERN MICHIGAN 
UNIVERSITY DRUG ARRESTS

KALAMAZOO, MI - Individuals caught with a marijuana joint in Kalamazoo
can expect to receive a ticket instead of handcuffs when caught by
police, but not if it's a Western Michigan University's police officer.

On Monday, the same day that Western Michigan University's Public
Safety Department released an annual report showing it arrested more
people for drug violations than alcohol violations in 2011, the
Kalamazoo City Commission approved a more lenient marijuana policy.

The city marijuana ordinance makes possession a misdemeanor
enforceable by an appearance ticket, except as permitted under
Michigan's medical marijuana law. As a statutory offense under state
law, it is misdemeanor that carries a penalty of one year
imprisonment, a $2,000 fine, or both. Offenders may serve up to 93
days in jail, pay a $100 fine, or do both.

Lt. Scott Coy of the WMU Public Safety Department said most of the
department's drug arrests in 2011 were related to marijuana, but he
doesn't expect the city ordinance to have much impact for campus police.

The WMU Public Safety Department adheres to federal and state laws and
doesn't enforce city ordinances, meaning the thousands of students on
campus are still subject to arrest if caught with marijuana.

"I don't think it's going to change our enforcement much," Coy said.
"Arrest rates may drop and referrals may go up because then it's not
in the criminal justice system, but you'll see little change."

WMU reported arresting 118 individuals for drug violations in 2011 -
27 more drug violation arrests than reported in 2010. The department
arrested 63 people for liquor violations in 2011, which is down from
92 arrested the previous year.

Coy said the drop in alcohol violation arrests comes from fewer
arrests on football game days. The increase in drug busts on campus
has roots in more comprehensive search methods that WMU police began
implementing after receiving training from the Kalamazoo Valley
Enforcement Team, said Coy.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Matt