The senior editor of PoliceOne.com, which describes itself as "the most comprehensive and trusted online destination for law enforcement agencies and police departments worldwide," has posted a very interesting article about how "a surprising number of cops are speaking out in favor of legalization."  Particular noteworthy was the following section, in which a couple officers echo what we've been saying for quite some time.

So, what do PoliceOne Members have to say on the matter? Well for starters, I must say that I was more surprised by the emailers than I was by the voters. I was, quite frankly, stunned to see that nearly every email I got on the issue was supportive of some manner of legalization. I’m not kidding — probably nine out of ten emails were pro-legalization. For example:

 “I don't smoke pot and if were legal I still wouldn't. That being said, I believe first that if it were legal there would be fewer people abusing substances. It's hard for us as cops to admit that when it comes to drug laws, most people who abuse substances don't care about the law. Those few who don't smoke pot because it's illegal are probably drinking heavily. Would it make things worse if people stopped drinking and took up pot? When was the last time you arrested a domestic violence offender who was high on marijuana? OK, then when was the last time you arrested a domestic violence offender who was drunk? When was the last time you arrested a domestic violence offender who wasn't drunk? [SAFER emphasis] Legalization will take money and power away from the cartels and the gangs. Murder rates will plummet if gang bangers stop shooting each other, and innocent bystanders.”

Or this one, short and sweet, from someone who wished to remain anonymous:

“As an officer, I would rather deal with someone that has smoked pot, than someone who is drunk. I have never dealt with a violent pot smoker. Usually they are mild mannered compared.”