POLICE CHIEF ATTACKS DRUG POLICY

The retiring chief constable of the second largest police force in the UK
has attacked the government's drugs' policy.

Sir Edward Crew, 56, head of West Midlands Police, made his comments about
the down grading of cannabis on Friday at his last press conference before
he retires next week.

Under Home Secretary David Blunkett's plans, revealed last month, Class B
drug cannabis will be reclassified as a less dangerous Class C drug so that
possession is no longer an arrestable offence.

Sir Edward said the decision sent out a confusing message to young people.

"It just seems to be a little bit contradictory that we are spending
millions of pounds to encourage people to stop smoking because of the cost
to the health service," he said.

"Now we are going to have people, if not encouraged to use cannabis,
certainly it won't be frowned upon as much as it was in the past.

"I am not very comfortable with the decision if I am frank.

Wrong Decision

"I think it is the wrong decision in the message it sends out and in terms
of implementation it is going to be very difficult.

"The possession with the intent to supply and the supply of cannabis will
still remain a serious offence, indeed with an increased penalty.

"But for my officers, in recent times, the enforcement of the possession of
cannabis has not been a priority."

Despite his criticisms of the government's drugs policy, he welcomed the
year-long fixed penalty pilot scheme introduced across three police forces
this week.

Street Fines

It provides for fines of between UKP40 and UKP80, which can be given either
on the streets or while offenders are in custody.

"I do think this is an idea which potentially has far greater application,"
he said.

Sir Edward, who announced his retirement in March after six years, is
succeeded by Paul Scott-Lee, 48, the chief constable of Suffolk Police.

Mr Scott-Lee will lead a force of 7,796 police officers, 3,415 support
staff and with an annual budget in excess of UKP400m.