FORMER OFFICER'S MESSAGE RILES SOME

Retired Drug Officer Says Legalization Is Best Choice for U.S.

GLENS FALLS -- Warren County District Attorney Kate Hogan and a retired police captain got into a heated exchange Thursday over whether the United States should legalize drugs like heroin and marijuana.

"These laws create crime and violence in our society that we wouldn't have without prohibition (of drugs)," Peter Christ, a former narcotics officer from western New York, told the Rotary Club of Glens Falls at the Queensbury Hotel.

Christ (rhymes with "wrist") is the founder of Law Enforcement Against Prohibition, a Massachusetts-based group that includes judges and police officers.

In his speech, he drew a parallel with current drug policy and the national ban on alcohol that lasted from 1920 to 1933. The 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution outlawed production and distribution of alcohol but was later repealed by the 21st Amendment. During that time, gangsters like Al Capone capitalized on the law by bootlegging.

"We are in another period of prohibition today," said Christ, 61. "There's gang violence on the streets. Children are seduced by mobsters. Nothing has changed."

He added that the government should regulate hard drugs like it does the lottery and tobacco.

Several Rotarians in attendance criticized Christ's stance on the issue, including Warren County's top prosecutor, Kate Hogan.

"We cannot stop pedophiles but that doesn't mean we should legalize it," said Hogan during a lively question-and-answer session. "I also don't understand a legitimate purpose for using crack-cocaine."

Hogan, sitting front-and-center, said government regulation of drugs would not end black-market distribution and would only contribute to crippling addiction.

Their debate became pointed at times, with some club members shifting uncomfortably in their seats. It continued for more than 30 minutes after the speech ended and most Rotarians had left.

"You don't have the end of the equation," Hogan said. "How are you going to implement this?"

Christ responded: "You're stuck in the only way of doing this. Open your mind."

Also taking issue with Christ's speech was Rotarian and Salvation Army Commander Mike Knepp, who said legalizing narcotics would only create more problems.

"Legalizing drugs will increase the addiction problem," said Knepp after the speech. "Gambling is a good example. People use money for that when it's income that can be used for the betterment of their family." But Rotarian David Dowen said that while he doesn't approve of drug use, the policy needs to be fixed.

"If you can't stop it, you have to control it," he said. "The millions of dollars spent fighting for it, what do you get back?