RCMP SEES EASED POT LAW COSTING MORE

Internal notes for the force express concern about some parts of the new
legislation.

OTTAWA -- The federal plan to decriminalize possession of small amounts of
marijuana could increase policing costs, not reduce them as many predict,
according to internal RCMP notes. The revelation is among several
uncertainties and reservations regarding the proposed pot bill spelled out
in newly disclosed briefing materials prepared by the national police force.

The Mounties take issue with the oft-repeated assertion that the existing
pot law is enforced unevenly across Canada and express concern about some
elements of the new legislative package.

Several pages of RCMP notes, compiled from May through December of last
year, were obtained by CP under the Access to Information Act.

The latest statistics show police laid a record number of drug-related
charges in 2002, with 75 per cent of the 93,000 incidents involving pot.

Under the bill currently before Parliament, possessing 15 grams or less of
marijuana -- about 15 to 20 joints -- would no longer be a criminal matter
but a ticketing offence punishable by a fine of $150 for an adult or $100
for a youth.

Some advocates argue the legislative proposals will free up valuable police
time for more serious matters, but the Mounties remain to be convinced.

"Police do not see these reforms as resulting in cost savings to them," say
the RCMP notes.

"Which way the volume of marijuana offences will go is difficult to say. It
may result in cost savings or it may result in cost increases."

The Mounties believe a key factor would be how many of the tickets issued
under the new proposals end up being challenged.

"If a large percentage of the tickets issued were contested in court and
police officers were called to testify, our costs might actually increase."

A number of activists pushing for legalization -- not just decriminalization
- -- of marijuana have promised to protest the federal changes by routinely
challenging fines.

Eugene Oscapella of the Canadian Foundation for Drug Policy, which favours
legalization, said it is "quite likely" costs to police will rise under the
changes.

"Some people in the reform movement are arguing that they should just clog
up the courts, and that's one tactic."

The federal government says that in large urban centres police are much less
likely to lay a charge for possession of small amounts of cannabis than in
other parts of the country.