NCJ Number
224051
Journal
THE POLICE CHIEF Volume: 75 Issue: 8 Dated: August 2008 Pages: 92,94,95
Date Published
August 2008
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article examines the issues of drug decriminalization and rising drug use in future police applicant pools as a result of societal shifts in drug use and acceptance of this behavior.
Abstract
Drug decriminalization and the legalization of marijuana for medicinal purposes will make the task of hiring qualified police candidates more difficult over the next decade. Drug decriminalization is an issue the law enforcement community must face, not only when policing its communities but also when considering who in the next generation will serve and protect the community. Adjusting policies now and clarifying exactly what is, and is not, acceptable will help ensure that future generations of police meet the highest moral and ethical standards. This article briefly examines the impact of drug decriminalization on the future of policing recruiting standards, specifically marijuana decriminalization, drug legalization in Colombia, and strategies for the 21st century. 1 figure, 1 table, and 14 notes