Mandatory marijuana arrests could end in Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA - January 23, 2014

Councilman Jim Kenney introduced the bill Thursday.

Instead of having police officers spend time processing individuals caught with pot, which can take two to three hours on average, the legislation would allow them to issue a summons.

The offenders could then pay a $200 fine and take a three hour drug abuse class instead of going through booking.

Kenney argues that would free up police resources to fight violent crime.

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