DATE: Oct. 29, 2014

RE: Statement in support of Oregon’s Measure 91 from Law Enforcement

Treating marijuana as a crime has failed. Arresting and citing thousands of people in Oregon and elsewhere for marijuana-related crimes is a distraction to law enforcement and a misuse of taxpayer resources. The time and money spent should go to make our communities safer. Police resources should be focused on violent criminals, thieves and criminal cartels.

A regulated, legal and taxed system for marijuana has already been shown to work better in Colorado and Washington. Colorado, the first state to implement regulated sales, has seen a reduction in teen use, a drop in traffic fatalities, and a falling violent crime rate in Denver, where most dispensaries are located. Revenue is going to fund public services rather than into the pockets of criminals and we expect the same in Washington when data starts to come in from that state. The sky has not fallen and law enforcement officers are now directing their time toward serious crimes, in accordance with their communities' wishes.

Measure 91 is built on the foundation provided by these states and tailored to Oregon. It will ensure 35% of tax revenue raised goes to law enforcement, including 10% each to cities and counties and 15% for state police. It is a better approach.

Supported by the following 30 law enforcement officials: