Crime & Safety
KPD: No Decision Yet on Marijuana Enforcement After I-502 Passage
A Kirkland Police spokesman says the department will likely issued a new policy directive after discussions with the city attorney and local prosecutors.
The King County prosecutor is dropping all 175 pending misdemeanor marijuana possession cases in light of the passage of Initiative 502, but so far the Kirkland Police Department has not ordered any changes in its enforcement practices.
I-502, the statewide initiative to de-criminalize recreational marijuana use, is passing by a margin of 55 to 45 percent, according to results released Friday. The Washington Secretary of State has until Dec. 6 to certify statewide election totals.
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Kirkland police spokesman Lt. Mike Murray said a new policy is likely in the near future.
"I would imagine the chief (Eric Olsen) will be putting something out soon, after he confers with the city attorney and local prosecutors," Murray said Friday.
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Kirkland police regularly enforce misdemeanor marijuana possession laws, often issuing citations on the scene and sometimes taking suspects into custody.
For a story on the King County prosecutor's decision, click here.
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