http://edinburghnews.scotsman.com/scotland.cfm?id=570742006
Source: Edinburgh Evening News (UK)
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Copyright: 2006 The Scotsman Publications Ltd
Pubdate: Friday, 14th April 2006
SCOTTISH police officers have sparked anger after calling for the
legalisation of all drugs - including heroin and cocaine.
The Strathclyde Police Federation has called for a dramatic change of
direction in the battle on drugs crime, and the issue will be debated
later this month.
The body, which represents 7000 officers, is set to argue that all drugs
should be licensed in the same way as cigarettes and alcohol. Officers
claim this would cut drug deaths and divert police resources to other
crime-fighting priorities. It is the first time that an organisation
representing officers has made such a demand.
Opponents today said the move would only increase the availability of
drugs. But the federation believes millions of pounds are wasted on
enforcing existing laws, with little impact on the availability of drugs
on the street.
Inspector Jim Duffy, chairman of the federation, said: "We are not
winning the war against drugs and we need to think about different ways
to tackle it."
The Scottish Executive said that drug legislation is reserved to
Westminster.
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1 comment:
Having served in the Health Service for 37 years on the front line, I must give my side of this argument. On being called to many drug related incidents in homes, on streets, I find it absolutely horrifying to read Police want to legalise drug use. The crimes are committed to violence incurred by drug suppliers to individuals who are the sellers and not able to repay money to the suppliers, they also threaten and violate the families of these sellers. This is not counting the crime that users inflict on innocents by stealing, violence to obtain money to feed their habit. But hey, in this climate of cuts to services in all quarters this then is the easier option for policing. Legalise makes it easier for all, but why should the health service (facing cuts as well) pick up the pieces. We all choose a path rightly or wrongly and we should not judge but some things need to be really thought out, where will it end.
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