Pubdate: Thu, 28 Aug 2014
Source: Tampa Bay Times (FL)
Copyright: 2014 John G. Chase
Contact: http://www.sptimes.com/letters/
Website: http://www.tampabay.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/419
Author: John G. Chase

POLICE WILL RESPOND TO VOTERS' WILL

This letter makes the point that law enforcement will enforce antidrug
laws to enhance their own self-interests, not necessarily to reduce
drug addiction. The opposition of the Florida Sheriff's Association to
Amendment 2 is an example, according to the letter.

I agree. But I am also an optimist. I believe that when voters put
Amendment 2 into the Florida Constitution, as polls indicate they
will, the sheriffs will innovate. They will shift money, around to do
more on-foot community policing, for instance, and less
pot-busting.

This happened in Massachusetts after 2008, when the state voted 65
percent to 34 percent to decriminalize possession of small amounts v
of marijuana. The change was so profound that in 2010, counties in the
Boston area made one-sixtieth of the arrests, per capita, that
Pinellas County made that year. Sheriffs in Florida are elected and
will respond to voters. It's true that money speaks, but votes speak
louder.

John G. Chase, Palm Harbor  
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D