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Operational police officers and staff have to STOP using the quantity of drugs found as the primary basis for whether they move forward with a PWITS offence or simple possession. It is LAZY and NEGLIGENT not to investigate ALL the other factors around the case
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prior to making this decision. Pack sizes, phone downloads, circumstances of arrest, presence OR absence of paraphernalia etc ALL need to be considered.
The key word in PWITS is "INTENT". The word "quantity" does not appear in the legislation.
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The key word in PWITS is "INTENT". The word "quantity" does not appear in the legislation.
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You can convict PWITS on ONE DEAL if you have the supporting evidence. If they come through the door on a PWITS and your first action is to try bump it down to possession you're in the wrong job. You're giving a potential drug dealer a get out.
Good investigators
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Good investigators
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fight craven "force policies" that assign minimum quantities to PWITS to justify saving money on phone downloads etc. If your force does this, push back. It's too easy for forces to do this because their are no apparent "victims" to the crime (there are, of course).
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PWITS and drug use feed all other crime types. This lazy, tick box attitude makes your job harder.
CID or other specialist drugs units that knock you back with quantity denial are just grifters.
Don't let it keep happening.
DMs open for advice if required.
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CID or other specialist drugs units that knock you back with quantity denial are just grifters.
Don't let it keep happening.
DMs open for advice if required.
5/5
SUPPLEMENTAL: the onus on the arresting officer is to provide a high quality statement as to WHY you went PWITS. The circumstances, your suspicions, your local knowledge etc. Good searches, good documentation and properly seized evidence all play their part.
