Photo: LEAP |
The late Corporal Ed Toatley, left, with former narcotics officer Neill Franklin, now of Law Enforcement Against Prohibition |
Peace Officers Memorial Day is this week, and some cops are saying we need to legalize drugs to stop police from dying in the failed “Drug War.”
Too many law enforcers are killed in the line of duty enforcing a senseless and unwinnable War On Drugs, according to Law Enforcement Against Prohibition (LEAP), which is calling for the legalization and regulation of all drugs.
They’re telling stories about their fallen friends and colleagues to back up their case.
“When one of my best friends was killed doing an undercover drug purchase, it opened my eyes to the fact that not only are these drug laws ineffective, but they lead to brave and dedicated law enforcers losing their lives,” said Neill Franklin, a 34-year veteran of the Maryland State Police and the Baltimore Police Department, now LEAP’s executive director.
“Ed Toatley was one of the best narcotics agents the state of Maryland ever had, but this failed drug war wasn’t worth him losing his life over,” Franklin said.
Neill realized that our drug policies are not only ineffective, but also cause great harm to police and to civilians in our communities alike. Aggressive policing strategies actually generate violence. Police sweeps create voids within the underground market that are eagerly filled by those waiting in the wings. Violent tactics of those competing for a piece of the vacant market share make communities — and law enforcement jobs — extremely dangerous, more dangerous than necessary.
Neill has decided that enough is enough, and he has vowed toward ending the prohibition of all drugs. Too many police officers and children are dying in our streets and the streets of other countries like Mexico, according to Franklin.
WHO: Former police officers who support legalizing drugs
WHAT: Candlelight vigil in remembrance of fallen colleagues
WHEN: Friday, May 13, 7:30 p.m. EST
WHERE: National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, on E Street between 4th and 5th Streets NW, Washington, D.C.
The candlelight vigil which official begins at 8 p.m., is sponsored by National Law Enforcers Memorial Fund and is part of National Police Week. From 25,0000 to 40,000 police officers and family members are expected to attend official events over the course of the week.
Law Enforcement Against Prohibition (LEAP) represents police, prosecutors, judges, prison warders, federal agents and others who want to legalize and regulate drugs after fighting on the front lines of the “war on drugs” and learning firsthand that prohibition only serves to worsen addiction and violence. More info at http://www.CopsSayLegalizeDrugs.com.