POLICE DOING THEIR JOB

Re Connie Woodcock's column "Police work has gone to pot" (Sept. 3): Connie
is correct that there is a "push" on to legalize marijuana. She is also
correct that police do not often charge people with simple possession.
There is, however, a great difference between possession of one or two
joints and the mass production of marijuana to a total of $3.1 million.

Criminal organizations most often profit from the production of illegal
substances like marijuana. The profit made from the sale of marijuana goes
to other criminal linkages - the purchase and sale of illegal weapons, etc.

Connie seems to feel that the use of the Durham Regional Police helicopter
was an unnecessary expense. I think the helicopter is a viable tool and
certainly worth every dime spent on its use in the Hamilton Township area.

The harvest of $3.1 million by Cobourg police removed the profit that
someone would have gained through criminal means. At the end of the day it
may even have affected a criminal link somewhere down the line. Connie
seems never to be happy. One day she complains about the police cars in the
doughnut shop - "What a breathtaking sight." Next she complains about the
police when they are out doing their job.

I say, hats off to the Cobourg Police Service and Durham Regional Police
and, by all means, go have a coffee.

Sgt. Darren Strongman

Port Hope Police Service

(With or without a doughnut?)