Nevada Cops Back Marijuana Decriminalization August 9, 2002
News Summary
The Nevada Conference of Police and Sheriffs (NCOPS) board of directors voted 9-0 this week to endorse a plan to decriminalize possession of up to three ounces of marijuana, the Las Vegas Sun reported Aug. 6.Officials said that arresting marijuana users was time-consuming and ineffective, and that their efforts were better directed at addressing violent crime.
"We do not support the smoking of marijuana," said NCOPS President Andy Anderson. "But violent crime is on the rise and terrorism remains a real threat. Our priorities in law enforcement have changed and, with our limited resources, so should our laws."
The proposal calls for tough penalties for those who smoke pot in public, sell to minors, or drive under the influence, which Anderson said helped convince his group to give its endorsement.
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