(WNYC) Public defenders in the Bronx said more than 40 percent of the marijuana arrests they investigated in their borough between May and October 2011 show violations of constitutional rights and problems with evidence. Many of these unlawful arrests, defense lawyers said, were made after an internal NYPD order directing all officers to follow the law when making marijuana arrests.
Public defenders in the Bronx said more than 40 percent of the marijuana arrests they investigated in their borough between May and October 2011 show violations of constitutional rights and problems with evidence. Many of these unlawful arrests, defense lawyers said, were made after an internal NYPD order directing all officers to follow the law when making marijuana arrests.
The lawyers also said the percentage of wrongful marijuana arrests actually increased in the month following a September 19, 2011 order by Police Commissioner Ray Kelly that reminded officers to make proper marijuana arrests. In the directive, which WNYC obtained last September, Kelly acknowledged that “questions have been raised” about the department’s marijuana arrests, including allegations that people are being arrested for possessing marijuana in public view only after marijuana is recovered when an officer orders someone to empty his pockets or reaches into the person’s pocket and pulls marijuana out.
The NYPD is addicted to the Drug War. Officers are pressured to keep arrest statistics up to show the world how “tough on crime” they are in the Big Apple. Marijuana shakedowns provide a handy way for cops to get young blacks and Latinos “in the system”. They provide an extra-constitutional way to police poor neighborhoods that would never be tolerated on the Upper West Side or Wall Street.
Contact your elected representatives and urge them to 'Stop Arresting Marijuana Smokers'. 