LSUPD STILL NOT ENFORCING DRUG LAWS

Last Spring Canada proposed legislation that would make the possession
of up to 15 grams of marijuana no more of a crime than getting a
parking ticket. Though it may seem as though Canada's policy towards
pot-smokers is as lenient as they come, there may be a governing unit
that is a little more laid back; LSU.

It has been speculated that if an LSU student is caught on campus in
possession of marijuana, the student is merely reprimanded with a
disciplinary referral to Dean of Students. Is this an urban myth or is
it LSU policy?

In 2001, Eric Doyle attended a party at East Campus Apartments. The
party was a typical LSU late-night gathering, filled with students, a
keg and a cloud of marijuana smoke that forced the partygoers to open
the windows of the apartment. It didn't take long for about eight LSU
police officers to show up.

"We were caught with about a half ounce of weed, which I believe is
close to a felony charge," said Doyle.

According to Doyle, no one was arrested that night. The only
consequence of that evening was the student living in the apartment
had to visit the Dean of Students.

The LSU police department (LSUPD) maintains that they 'will not shield
any student, employee or visitor from action by civil authorities.'
They insist that the university acts in accordance with all federal
and state laws that prohibit the use, possession and sale of illegal
drugs.

For most simple on-campus drug possession violations, the Louisiana
Revised Statute (LRS) 40:966 applies. Its' maximum penalty, upon
conviction is imprisonment for up to ten years and a maximum fine of
$5000.

"If you are riding in a car anywhere in Baton Rouge and a cop catches
you with a joint, as long as you're honest with them, nine times out
of ten, they're not going to bust you for that" said Frank Abbott,
BRCC student who plans on transferring to a four-year university. "The
police don't want the extra paperwork. I wouldn't be surprised if LSU
police officers treated it (the violation) the same way."

According to the LSUPD crime blotter, seven people have been in
violation of LRS 40:966 this year. Two of the incidents involved
non-LSU students, who were both booked in the East Baton Rouge Parish
Prison. One involved a LSU student who was charged with a misdemeanor
summons and released.

"That theory is totally incorrect," said Major Ernie Sanchez of the
LSUPD. "An arrest depends on how much marijuana the person has. If
it's a small amount, they can be brought in and booked with a
misdemeanor charge. If it's a large amount is found, the person can be
sent to parish prison."

In 2002, LSU reported 15 drug law violations in campus residences and
six drug law violations elsewhere on campus. Out of the 21 total drug
law arrests, ten were reported as criminal arrests while the remaining
11 were sent to the Dean of Students for disciplinary referrals.

A disciplinary referral can result in a warning probation, a
disciplinary probation that requires the student to report to the Dean
of Students on a regular basis or a university intervention program
that orders the student to perform community service and take
non-credit courses in values and ethics.

Some people feel that paying an LSU fee bill shouldn't come with a
get-out-of-jail-free-card.

"I think that they (students caught with possession of marijuana)
should be fined if there is a significant portion found," said Matt
Jones, BRCC student who plans on transferring to LSU. "Students should
be treated the same as if they were caught off-campus."

Others believe that if this 'unspoken policy' is true, it should
remain LSU's best-kept secret.

"Us smokers face enough paranoia worrying about the 5-0," said Rudy
(who wished to omit his last name), an LSU student. "If LSU really
does allow us a little slack, people shouldn't exploit it. I don't
think writing an article on this topic is such a good idea."

According to the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), marijuana is the most
widely available illicit drug in Louisiana. The price of marijuana in
Louisiana is decreasing because of its geographic advantages. The DEA
seized 46.7 kgs of marijuana from Louisiana last year. 26 other states
had higher amounts of seizures, including Texas, where the DEA seized
136,870.8 kg of marijuana.