Scottish cops call for legalization

This is big. The Strathclyde Police Federation, some 7,000 members strong, has called for the legalization of all drugs.

Officers claim this would cut drug deaths and divert police resources to other crime-fighting priorities. It is the first time that an organisation representing officers has made such a demand.

Opponents today said the move would only increase the availability of drugs. But the federation believes millions of pounds are wasted on enforcing existing laws, with little impact on the availability of drugs on the street.

Inspector Jim Duffy, chairman of the federation, said: "We are not winning the war against drugs and we need to think about different ways to tackle it."

Wouldn't it be nice to read in the NYT that Manhattan's police association showed the same common sense?

[hat tip Tim Meehan]