Former police chief Brian Paddick argues that police efforts targeting small amounts of cannabis waste resources that could address more serious crimes. Paddick, who pioneered a decriminalization scheme in London, claims such policies improved community relations and allowed police to concentrate on pressing issues like street robberies. Supporting this view, London Mayor Sadiq Khan has called for partial decriminalization, with Paddick highlighting a strong local backing for these changes, suggesting a shift in policing priorities is necessary for community safety.
"When I was the police commander in Brixton I was very concerned about the impact of the policing of possession of small amounts of cannabis was having on police and community relations."
"We were wasting a lot of money for something that was not a priority at the time."
"80% of local people were in favour of the effective decriminalisation of cannabis for personal use."
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