Marijuana arrests drop after NYPD order

[ed the head]

http://online.wsj.com/article/AP4d92f84 ... 7585b.html

NEW YORK — Arrests for low-level marijuana possession have fallen 13 percent in New York City, after Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly cautioned officers not to bust people for small amounts of the drug found in pockets.

Kelly issued the internal order in September, after claims that officers were wrongly arresting people. In New York, possessing a small amount of marijuana is punishable with a ticket. But having the drug out in public is a misdemeanor.

Department figures show 1,190 fewer arrests were made in the nine weeks since the order, compared with the same period a year earlier.

Before Kelly's order, arrests had been up.

The Associated Press reported last month that there are about 50,000 arrests for the lowest-level pot bust per year — more than other charge in the city

[Balou]

I just watched a documentary at IDFA the other week about arrest in NYC. Supposedly the problem is the stop and frisk policy they have. I for one will never step foot in the city ever again!

Peace

[ed the head]

I just watched a documentary at IDFA the other week about arrest in NYC. Supposedly the problem is the stop and frisk policy they have. I for one will never step foot in the city ever again!

Peace

International Documentary Film Festival ?

NYPD has for many years had a stop and frisk (and frequently PLANT) policy primarily targeted at young black and latino males. Usually, they directed the suspect to empty their pockets. In NY, possession of less than 25 grams is decriminalized, but 'displaying' any amount publicly is an arrestable offence. The NYPD would then arrest the suspect for displaying cannabis in public.

It's hard for me to believe this until I see it with my own eyes. Meanwhile, anyone carrying cannabis in NYC, NEVER empty your pockets if stopped. Make the cop search you soo that it is not YOU that displays it in public.