'DECRIMINALIZE MARIJUANA' SAYS FORMER DETROIT POLICE CHIEF

BIRMINGHAM -- In his 33 years in law enforcement, Isaiah "Ike"
McKinnon wrestled with his fair share of drunks.

"They're aggressive and want to fight," said McKinnon, former Detroit
police chief and now an associate professor of education at the
University of Detroit Mercy.

But people who were using marijuana weren't as much trouble, he said.
Arresting them, McKinnon believes, is a "waste of law enforcement efforts."

On Tuesday, McKinnon will step out and discuss the benefits of
decriminalizing marijuana at the Baldwin Public Library at 300 W.
Merrill in Birmingham.

The free event at 7 p.m. is being organized by Michael Whitty, an
adjunct professor at the University of Detroit Mercy and McKinnon's
colleague.

McKinnon said he recalled when activist John Sinclair was arrested for
giving two marijuana cigarettes to an undercover officer and then
sentenced to 10 years in prison.

"To me it was woefully unfair," he said. "I was a young police officer
and back then people who shot someone would get four or five years, so
there was an imbalance in the justice system."

Whitty said he has lectured in the past at the library and had talked
with McKinnon on the subject of marijuana in the past.

"We're taking up this community issue and providing brain food," said
Whitty. "I believe (McKinnon) is eminently qualified to do that."

Whitty will interview McKinnon during the dialogue at the
library.

McKinnon said no one had ever asked him about his position. He also
believes if they could, other law enforcement officials would agree
with him.

"I'm not a crusader and don't think all drugs should be legalized. But
to me it's a waste of our resources, for today's officers.

"They need to put (efforts) toward dealing with more serious
crimes."

Whitty said he and McKinnon are in agreement on the
subject.

"It would be better looked at through the lens of public health," said
Whitty, "and we could spare all our grandchildren from having rap sheets."