Leeway

[Norm357]

So this is kind of taken from another thread.

How much leeway are you allowed to give someone for say possesion of a joint, traffic offenses or what not? I know what my wifes dept allows and am curious as to what yours allows.

Norm

[mcsap]

Depends on the amount, other offenses, ATTITUDE and how many frequent flyer miles they have with us. No set rule.

[Retired Trooper]

its up to the individual officer

[Jynkxxie]

I know what thread you pulled this from, and thanks for doing so, I was interested as well...When I was growing up even a little bit...**** Clips or a non used pipe could get you in trouble, now a days it does seem more lenient.

[Norm357]

Well around here, posession of a joint will probably get you no more than a ticket. Traffic offenses, well it depends on your attitude, how many times you have been stopped in the past, etc. Its all up to the officer.

[Retired Trooper]

Because you will lose your license here for paraphernalia and drugs you have to arrest and not issue a courtesy summons. So either u send the perp on about his business with no charge or have to a arrest.

[oscarmitre]

In South Australia a person under 18 who is found in possession of a small amount of cannabis will go on a diversionary programme. An adult in the same situation may go on a programme or get an expiation notice (like a traffic ticket). Most cops view personal use/possession of cannabis as not serious and may (but legally shouldn't) just caution and seize the dope for destruction (the cannabis, not the offender I mean - we don't have the death penalty here).

Traffic - it's up to the individual member. There are some who are too soft, some who get it right and some who are traffic nazis. You just have to hope you get a softie :D

[greg6099]

Oscarmitre: Sorry for the following comments -not directed at you etc.

Yes. We in Queensland divert first time drug offenders (prescribed circumstances etc). When we catch them again the court will divert them. We catch them again and the court will give them a good behaviour bond. We catch them again, normally after stealing something or robbing someone, and the court will fine them some piddling amount that they don't pay - so they are given community service whcih they don't do and on it goes.

Maybe I'm from a bygone era, maybe I just don't get the big picture? Please don't throw up the old argument about alcohol vs drugs. I've been to too many alcohol fueled assaults, domestics and murders to be convinced that alcohol is a good thing.

I'm swaying a bit towards the good old days of 'zero tolerance'. Seems to be working in various locations throughout the world.

Perhaps we should give all first offenders a kiss and a hug and tel them everything will be OK.

Drug Diversion does not work - look at all the reports and comments from Magistrates, Judges and COmmunity Service workers who are all saying the ame thing. It does not work.

Thanx.

[Oldbillplod]

In the UK possession of cannabis as a juvenile, you get arrested as an adult you might not depending on previous convictions etc, however if its near a school then you are detained whoever you are.
with regards to traffic matters you can use discretion, but my rule is if I have to get out to speak with them then they go in the book, no exceptions.