San Antonio Police Chief Bill McManus has sent a memo to the City Managr, recommending that officers be 'allowed to use discretion' when determining whether to arrest a person found in possession of less than two ounces of marijuana, News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.
McManus is extending the so called 'Cite and Release' program, which was announced by County officials last month, to the city police.
McManus says expanding the program will allow individuals to be diverted from jail while freeing up law enforcement officials to focus on more serious offenses.
The move was met with support from City Council.“In our 2018 City budget, Council agreed to allocate millions of dollars towards increasing officer headcount. I did not approve this with the intent that police officers waste time dealing with minor offenses,” Northwest side Councilman Manny Pelaez said.
It is estimated that it takes an officer up to four hours, or half of a shift, to process an individual who has been arrested for having a couple of joints in his pocket, fording the officer off the streets and away from fighting more serious crimes.
Mayor Nirenberg says he also supports the chief's action.
“Cite and release will reduce jail crowding and enable police officers to use their time on serious crimes instead of arresting non-violent marijuana users. It will ensure a more efficient, effective use of police resources to keep our city safe.”
Many members of Council also said forcing an otherwise law abiding individual to have a criminal record for narcotics possession may deny that person a chance to get into college, or to enter many jobs and career fields.
"There are young people in our community that have a hard time seeking job opportunities due to a criminal record for low-level possession,” Councilwoman Shirley Gonzales said.
She pointed out that under the program, if the individual successfully completed a drug education class or community service, the case will never be filed in court and the individual can avoid a criminal record.