TALKING JIVE ON URBAN75

Let's not be in too much of a hurry with the plaudits (Leader, February 21)
for Commander Brian Paddick over his remarks about drugs on the urban75
website. He talks it up nice, but I don't necessarily buy it.

I don't believe that the various police execs who have gone into print with
"liberal" drugs statements, from the "decriminalise grass" to "legalise the
lot" schools, are always doing so from liberal tendencies. They - like the
rest of us - like an easier gig; and legalising it would give them that.
Look how immediately some of the chief constables weighed in with calls to
downgrade "E" after the relaxation in cannabis regulations.

Paddick seems to be saying all the right things, but so did Blair three
years ago, and now look. Let's see what he actually does, before awarding
our laurels.

Bob Jones
Worcester