MOODY POLICE BOARD BACKS NATIONAL DRUG STRATEGY

The Port Moody Police Board has unanimously thrown its support behind a
draft response to the federal government's proposal to decriminalize marijuana.

The response, which comes from the Canadian Association of Police Boards
(CAPB), calls for "an adequately funded and comprehensive national drug
strategy before any weakening of marijuana possession and cultivation laws
is undertaken."

The CAPB represents close to 60 municipal police boards and commissions
across the country.

The association believes that the federal government has failed to clearly
articulate the rationale underlying the introduction of Bill C-17, the
Public Safety Act, and "the absence of a detailed justification for the
move only fosters speculation as to the purpose of this legislative
initiative."

The association wants the government to delay passing the bill until
clarifications are made and its concerns are addressed.

For example, it suggests that maintaining a range of options for
prosecuting minor drug offences may allow for a balanced approach. It
supports giving police officers discretion to either lay criminal charges
or issue tickets in simple possession cases.

Health, increased funding for the national drug strategy, punishment,
impaired driving and perceived messages - conveyed to the public and to the
U.S. - are other issues in the report.

The association, and the local police board, is also worried about the
message being received by youth.

"Decriminalization sends the message to youth that it's OK," Port Moody
Chief Const. Paul Shrive said. He added that the terms "decriminalization"
and "legalization" are often confused by youth.

The report suggests that before a review, "any move to implement
legislative changes may well prove shortsighted."