cannabisnews.com: Paddick Dismisses Cannabis Critics





Paddick Dismisses Cannabis Critics
Posted by CN Staff on July 02, 2002 at 10:28:32 PT
Lambeth has seen a dramatic fall in robberies
Source: BBC News 
A police commander who pioneered a lenient approach to cannabis possession in south London has dismissed his critics on the first anniversary of the scheme. Former Lambeth commander Brian Paddick said there was no evidence to show his "softly softly" approach attracted an influx of "drugs tourists" to Brixton. Since July 2001, people caught with small amounts of cannabis in the borough have been let off with a formal warning rather than being arrested or cautioned. 
Mr Paddick told The Guardian on Tuesday: "The fact is, cannabis and other drugs are so easily available in all parts of London, and in other parts of the country, who would want to come for Brixton for them? "Drug tourism appears to be the expectation rather than the reality." Figures from Scotland Yard last month showed street crime in Lambeth has fallen dramatically. Scotland Yard's Deputy Commissioner Ian Blair, last week said the pilot scheme was "undoubtedly" beneficial to the police. But the approach has been criticised by Vauxhall MP Kate Hoey and other Brixton leaders. 'Blatant' useMs Hoey said she believes the borough now has "more drug dealers than ever before" and that children have been given the message that "cannabis is no worse for you than sweets". Mr Paddick dismissed concerns that children were at greater risk of being drawn into drug use. Lambeth crime figures: Robberies fell by 50% in the six months to April 2002 Lambeth has London's highest reduction in robbery this year January to May 2002: 740 people had cannabis confiscated January to May 2001: 249 arrests for cannabis possession He said: "Children at risk may be a perception rather than a reality... if there seems to be more children smoking, perhaps they are being more blatant about it, or maybe people are more aware now of what has been happening in Lambeth for years." Mr Blair told a meeting of the Metropolitan Police Authority that there was no evidence to suggest more children were smoking cannabis or that drugs tourists were heading to Lambeth. Mr Paddick has been moved to a desk job following allegations about his private life. He hoped that spending less time processing arrests for cannabis would mean more police time was available for dealing with "serious crimes". Figures released by the Metropolitan Police show robberies in Lambeth fell by almost 50% in the six months up to April this year. The pilot scheme is continuing in Lambeth but police are awaiting guidance from the Home Secretary before deciding whether to roll out the project across London. Note: There is "no evidence" more children are taking cannabis.Source: BBC News (UK Web)Published: Tuesday, July 2, 2002Copyright: 2002 BBC Website: http://news.bbc.co.uk/ Contact: http://newsvote.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/talking_point/Related Articles & Web Site:Drugs Uncovered: Observer Special http://freedomtoexhale.com/dc.htmPolice Chief Scorns Cannabis Pilot Critics http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread13281.shtmlMy Drugs Policy is Working http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread13280.shtmlLambeth Cannabis Pilot: The Facts http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread13279.shtml
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Comment #1 posted by ekim on July 02, 2002 at 19:53:00 PT
What a bunch of Hoey
Figures from Scotland Yard last month showed street crime in Lambeth has fallen dramatically. Scotland Yard's Deputy Commissioner Ian Blair, last week said the pilot scheme was "undoubtedly" beneficial to the police. Ms Hoey said she believes the borough now has "more drug dealers than ever before" and that children have been given the message that "cannabis is no worse for you than sweets". 
Than regulate the market Ms Hoey. Show some back bone and stand up like the good police officer Mr Paddick has done. Start by releasing Paddick from the Desk job. Then take a good look in the mirror to see who is really keeping the black market going. 
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