Would Anyone in Law Enforcement Argue For Legalizing Some Drugs?

Question

This question has to do with debating.I went to a debate at a University. A defense lawyer argued for the legalization of some illegal drugs. The defense lawyer stands to loose clients if drugs are legalized. So, she was arguing against her own self-interest. On the other side, a law enforcement agent argued against legalizing drugs. But, obviously, it would be against his best interest if drugs were legalized. So, was his argument tainted by his self-interest in preserving the drug enforcement industry? I have read some Police Chiefs and even Police Officers argue for legalization. To me that is a very compelling argument. Is there anyone in this forum, who is a law enforcement officer, who would argue for legalization? Either way, why or why not? In debates, in general, does arguing against your own self-interest make the argument more compelling than taking a position that favors your own self-interest?

You guys are great. In just three answers, I can already see some flaws in my line of thinking. I know of no better way to learn than to have intelligent people show me the flaws in my thinking.

Answer 1

The textbook answer is that I swore to enforce the law whether I agree with it or not. Personally, I see that we do expend a tremendous amount of resources on enforcing drug laws, and even more prosecuting and housing drug offenders, for offenses that are relatively harmless. Some drugs are just dangerous, and need to be illegal. There is a really small group of drugs that, in my opinion, would be OK to legalize, as long as there were laws enacted making the consequences of use in an unsafe situation severe (IE: Driving under influence), and we were allowed to agressively enforce those laws, and the prosecutions stuck. For that matter, I think that the current laws for DUI need to have as aggressive enforcement and steeper consequences for alcohol related crimes as we do for drug offenders. It pisses me off to see a multi repeat drunk driver keep getting off, and some kid go to jail for pot. Until then though, don't get caught, 'cause I'll keep doing my job.
There is also the issue of regulation. You know that the government won't legalize anything without regulating it so they can TAX it. I would almost rather see it stay illegal than create another huge bureaucracy that we have to feed with tax dollars. Better the devil you know than the one you don't.

Answer 2

It's an interesting debate....that is for sure.

I am a student in my last semester of school at the University of Wisconsin - Platteville with a major in Criminal Justice. On the one hand, legalizing SOME drugs would cut down on law enforcement demands. On the other hand, it does mess with people enough that they may harm them self or others (like alcohol.) I can see both sides of the arguement but personal opinion is to keep drugs illegal.

Answer 3

Billions are spent on the war on drugs and we have more drugs than ever. I would support legalizing all of the drugs but make it a capital crime to do anything of a violent nature to another person while under the influence. The price of drugs would go down and the major criminal types would no longer have an incentive. Those that abuse drugs and harm anyone other themselves would executed so that would only leave the responsible users.

Answer 4

I am not a police officer either, but I know many of them who would argue for the legalization of many drugs. Not many fights ever got started because someone had too much marihuana. However, many of those same officers would like to have the laws much stricter about the use of alcohol - they see much more violence as a result of alcohol use/abuse than marihuana use/abuse.

Answer 5

I've heard many officers, including some who have worked vice for years, argue that many drugs should be legal.

The argument is basically that huge amounts of resources are spent tracking, prosecuting and imprisoning people for using a substance that is no more dangerous than alcohol or nicotine.

And those tens of billions of dollars per year could be better spend stopping violent crimes or enhancing border security.

Answer 6

No we could no longer lay off the police they might basically concentration on drugs that are extra volatile. do no longer forget approximately their activity is extra beneficial than drugs. housebreaking, homicide,and imposing site visitors regulations are additionally the activity of police. As to putting hemp back into the commercial base that would desire to be a sturdy ingredient. springing up jobs and extra tax sales. by using the way if hashish have been legalized i might pick it taxed a minimum of as much as cigarettes and alcohol in keeping with risk extra as too a lot of human beings use hashish and then circulate directly to extra suitable and extra risky drugs.

Answer 7

It would be just like the legalization of alcohol, more taxes for the people, also it would cause people to drive slower, when high on Marijuana. People on cocaine would need tobe in the left hand passing lane.

All the rest would be dead in several years so who would care.

It would only make sense to legalize most drugs, but most likely they never will.

The only reason they made them illegal in the first place was fear!

Answer 8

Yes many officers ( will not say a majority) don't see very much wrong with pot and see more issues with drinking.

Far too much court time, prison space and jail space is used for alot of minor drug crime or possession.

Answer 9

they can be sited for failling to uphold the law if they do it in uniform and would be considered hypocrits by other cops if they did it off-duty and where then asked to confirm it while in uniform so the smart ones keep their mouths shut.

LEGALIZE POT!

Answer 10

Do you mean prior to joining the duty or after joining the duty?