Chief constables can decide to arrest and charge, caution or warn those caught

Police forces across the country were yesterday given the green light to stop arresting cannabis users.

Individual chief constables can now decide whether to arrest and charge, caution or warn those caught with the drug – or simply let them go.

The softening of approach was announced by the National Police Chiefs’ Council, the body that develops nationwide operational policies.

Suggesting to users that they opt for drug treatment means there is no arrest or even a minor criminal sanction, but there is no pressure on the user to take up the treatment [File photo]

The organisation’s spokesman on drugs, Cleveland assistant chief constable Jason Harwin, said that asking cannabis users to go for treatment rather than prosecuting them could prevent re-offending and provide the ‘best outcome’.

The news follows last week’s disclosure by the chief constable of the West Midlands force, Dave Thompson, that his officers do not even give official warnings to young cannabis users because it would be ‘disastrous for their life chances’.

Mr Harwin, who is NPCC ‘lead for drugs’, said: ‘There is strong evidence to suggest that recommending minor offenders for early intervention treatment instead of pursuing convictions can prevent re-offending and result in the best outcome for both the user and the criminal justice system.

Individual chief constables can now decide whether to arrest and charge, caution or warn those caught with the drug – or simply let them go. The softening of approach was announced by the National Police Chiefs’ Council [File photo]

‘It is a matter for chief constables, in liaison with their police and crime commissioners, to determine operational priorities.’

Suggesting to users that they opt for drug treatment means there is no arrest or even a minor criminal sanction, but there is no pressure on the user to take up the treatment.

Possession of a Class B drug such as cannabis can lead to a five-year prison sentence and an unlimited fine. Growing or dealing cannabis can theoretically bring 14 years’ jail and an unlimited fine.

Mr Harwin, whose organisation includes the 43 police forces in England and Wales, said that chief constables would continue to pursue large-scale drug gangsters.

However, he added: ‘There are a range of options for dealing with those found in possession of cannabis or who cultivate the plant that are proportionate to individual circumstances – these include out-of-court disposals and cannabis warnings, as well as prosecution.’

West Midlands Police Chief Constable David Thompson disclosed that his officers do not even give official warnings to young cannabis users because it would be ‘disastrous for their life chances’ [File photo]

His remarks provoked fresh criticism from anti-drug campaigners. Drugs analyst Kathy Gyngell, co-editor of the Conservative Woman website, said: ‘This is astonishing in view of the cumulative relationship between cannabis and violence. This is symptomatic of the politically influenced easier-to-say-yes-than-no culture of present day policing.’

David Raynes of the National Drug Prevention Alliance said: ‘Deliberately undermining the law on cannabis is no part of the NPCC’s function.’

In response to the NPCC statement, the Home Office said that police chiefs are expected to enforce the law. A spokesman said: ‘Possession of cannabis is a criminal offence.’