London Police Chief Opposes Decriminalization of Cannabis Possession

Strategic Insights -

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley has publicly opposed the Mayor of London's call to decriminalize some cannabis possession, citing concerns over anti-social behaviour and acquisitive crime. The decision comes in the wake of a report by the independent London Drugs Commission (LDC), which recommended partial decriminalization of cannabis possession. The LDC, chaired by Lord Charlie Falconer, found current laws on cannabis to be disproportionate to the harms it can pose. Despite this, Sir Mark Rowley believes that decriminalization would have unintended consequences, including an increase in public drug use and anti-social behaviour.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Metropolitan Police Commissioner, Sir Mark Rowley, opposes the decriminalization of cannabis possession due to concerns over anti-social behaviour and acquisitive crime.
  • The London Drugs Commission (LDC) recommends partial decriminalization of cannabis possession, moving natural cannabis from the Misuse of Drugs Act to the Psychoactive Substances Act.
  • Lord Falconer, chair of the LDC, believes that current laws on cannabis are disproportionate to the harms it can pose.
  • The LDC report finds that public support for decriminalization is high, with 72% of Londoners survey supporting some form of decriminalization.
  • The report also suggests that natural cannabis use is often decriminalized in other countries, with 61% of surveyed countries having decriminalized cannabis for personal use.
  • Sir Mark Rowley acknowledges that the law on cannabis is a matter for Parliament, but he does not support the plans for decriminalization.
  • The Government has also come out against decriminalization, stating that they have no intention of reclassifying cannabis from a Class B substance under the Misuse of Drugs Act.
  • Lord Falconer's committee stops short of calling for full legalization of cannabis, but suggests that it would have unintended consequences similar to those of big tobacco.

Statistics:

  • 80% of people behind county lines have violent backgrounds.
  • 72% of Londoners surveyed support some form of decriminalization of cannabis possession.
  • 61% of surveyed countries have decriminalized cannabis for personal use.
  • 4 in 5 (80%) of people arrested for possession of cannabis are for possession of small amounts.

Sources:

  • "Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley opposes cannabis decriminalisation", BBC
  • "London Drugs Commission: Decriminalising cannabis possession 'not the answer'", Evening Standard
  • "Decriminalise cannabis possession in London, says report", Guardian
  • "Government says no to decriminalisation of cannabis in London", BBC