If, as the old saying goes, there is no such thing as bad publicity, then Richard Brunstrom’s latest missive stating that the illegal drug ecstasy is safer than aspirin has certainly raised the profile of the Chief Constable of North Wales, not only in national newspapers such as the Daily Mail and the Times, but across the World.
There are clearly differing views regarding the Chief Constable’s public profile, but in the debate over the content of his recent comments, we seem to have overlooked one simple thing.
He may have valid opinions on the dangers of alcohol and tobacco and the legalisation of drugs but with respect to his role as Chief Constable, many would suggest that his job is not to be a politician but to manage the North Wales police force efficiently and effectively.
As far as his job as Chief Constable is concerned, this is not a philosophical issue, no matter how much he likes to make it so. It is a matter of applying the law as it currently stands and, more importantly, not to undermine the laws of the land through such comments, no matter how much he disagrees with current legislation.
He may well be technically correct in saying that ecstasy is safer than legally prescribed pharmaceutical products but that is not the point. The fact is that ecstasy is an illegal drug - period.
There may a need for a debate on the legalisation of drugs but it is not his job to create or contribute to it. Under the current laws of the land, he should support those parents and teachers who, every day, are trying to convince young people of the dangers of taking drugs.
How can they do so when a major figure of legal authority such as a Chief Constable says an illegal drug such as ecstasy is safe? How does he think drug dealers will react to such comments? Will they now think, rightly or wrongly, that North Wales is a soft touch on illegal drugs?
It is not a matter of what is morally or statistically correct but what is legal according to the laws of this land.
For example, various motoring organisations have made the case that driving at 80mph on motorways would make very little difference to safety on the roads of the UK and yet the Chief Constable would hardly endorse such views given his public stance on speed cameras.
The real issue here is about the role of the Chief Constable within the region. He may have radical views that need to be debated in the public arena and he may believe that the law in respect of legalisation of drugs is an ass.
However, legislation is the job of the lawmakers in Parliament and not that of a civil servant such as himself, whether he likes it or not. If he chooses to enter the political arena, he can make his contribution then.
His current job, as he has pointed out time and time again with regard to speeding motorists who are caught slightly over the speed limit, is to uphold the law.
To do otherwise and continue a personal crusade on the legalisation of drugs undermines not only his position, but that of every policeman on the beat across North Wales.
There are clearly differing views regarding the Chief Constable’s public profile, but in the debate over the content of his recent comments, we seem to have overlooked one simple thing.
He may have valid opinions on the dangers of alcohol and tobacco and the legalisation of drugs but with respect to his role as Chief Constable, many would suggest that his job is not to be a politician but to manage the North Wales police force efficiently and effectively.
As far as his job as Chief Constable is concerned, this is not a philosophical issue, no matter how much he likes to make it so. It is a matter of applying the law as it currently stands and, more importantly, not to undermine the laws of the land through such comments, no matter how much he disagrees with current legislation.
He may well be technically correct in saying that ecstasy is safer than legally prescribed pharmaceutical products but that is not the point. The fact is that ecstasy is an illegal drug - period.
There may a need for a debate on the legalisation of drugs but it is not his job to create or contribute to it. Under the current laws of the land, he should support those parents and teachers who, every day, are trying to convince young people of the dangers of taking drugs.
How can they do so when a major figure of legal authority such as a Chief Constable says an illegal drug such as ecstasy is safe? How does he think drug dealers will react to such comments? Will they now think, rightly or wrongly, that North Wales is a soft touch on illegal drugs?
It is not a matter of what is morally or statistically correct but what is legal according to the laws of this land.
For example, various motoring organisations have made the case that driving at 80mph on motorways would make very little difference to safety on the roads of the UK and yet the Chief Constable would hardly endorse such views given his public stance on speed cameras.
The real issue here is about the role of the Chief Constable within the region. He may have radical views that need to be debated in the public arena and he may believe that the law in respect of legalisation of drugs is an ass.
However, legislation is the job of the lawmakers in Parliament and not that of a civil servant such as himself, whether he likes it or not. If he chooses to enter the political arena, he can make his contribution then.
His current job, as he has pointed out time and time again with regard to speeding motorists who are caught slightly over the speed limit, is to uphold the law.
To do otherwise and continue a personal crusade on the legalisation of drugs undermines not only his position, but that of every policeman on the beat across North Wales.
Comments
How can they do so when a major figure of legal authority such as a Chief Constable says an illegal drug such as ecstasy is safe? How does he think drug dealers will react to such comments? Will they now think, rightly or wrongly, that North Wales is a soft touch on illegal drugs?
Drug dealers know that they will be nicked in North wales. Brunstrom applies the law as it is, not as he'd like it to be, and I'm surprised that you are unaware of this. There is a debate to be had, and it is right for a man of Brunstrom's position and experience to offer an inside opinion. You say this is for politicians to do, yet politicians in Wales would prefer to ignore the drug debate completely, hence the need for people like Brunstrom to raise the subject. Politicians should stop whinging and start thinking.
If they are following policies where they have to waste a large amount of time dealing with minor offences then it should be the chief constable's job, along with the police authority, to decide where to concentrate their resources.
Drug use in itself (particularly cannabis and ecstasy and even with harder drugs), pose little threat in terms of criminal activity, in comparison to drug pushing or trafficking.
Unfortunately most politicians don't have the guts or the common sense to tackle the issues regarding drugs, preferring to carry on the failing policy of prohibition. So it's no wonder that Brunstrom (along with other top police officers) will get frustrated and try to address the debate themselves.
Presumably, Mr. Brunstrom feels that by making his comments in a public manner he is able to reach a wider and more concerned audience than a bunch of politicians who have, to date, absolutely failed to have the slightest effect on drug use.
I cordially invite you to call in at my blog:
www.yourpaljohnny.blogspot.com
for further comment detailing the love that we Brits have for mind altering substances.
For once I am unable to disagree with my old adversary, Ordo, as he has made his point so clearly.
Please be assured that any Ecstasy dealers in North Wales are quite aware of Mr. Brunstrom and hardly think of him as a soft touch.
As a fellow academic, albeit from the University of Life and the School of Hard Knocks, I feel that I must mildly chide you for your final paragraph:
".....and continue a personal crusade on the legalisation of drugs undermines not only his position, but that of every policeman on the beat across North Wales."
Come on Dylan, that's not what he is about at all. That comment could have come from the Daily Mail.
Mr. Brunstrom's actual suggestion is to legalise certain drugs in order to bring about a system of control, monitoring and a hopeful reduction in consumption.
He is NOT saying:
"Let's all go and get stoned".
Your pal.
johnny.
Bang on!
The Chief has more than enough on his plate trying to do the job he already has.
I'm not on incapacity. I get income support with a disability payment. I have to supply sicknotes every few months to show that, yes, I still have that incurable genetic condition, what a surprise. It's a funny thing they do to keep the incapacity numbers down. The system is not designed to help people with genuine disabilities in any meaningful way.
08 January 2008 21:19
Anonymous said...
Although i agree with the majority of your views on this issue, you could at least declare your own personal interest in the matter, in fact i think your post would benefit from your own experience, as i know so a policy would directly affect you.
If you can sit at a computer all day, doing a very good blog, you could work for a living.
Sorry, I do not wish to insult you, but that is the truth, even part time would be some thing.
09 January 2008 06:16
Anonymous said...
After all, he is a far bigger cog in the wheels of justice than most politicians or pundits.
But then news from the front line has a habit of exposing unpleasant truths.
Cannabis was legal until the 1930`s, and was used by millions, then suddenly it was declared illegal, after pressure from the pharmeceutical companies.
A few decades later, the pharmeceutical companies began producing synthetic variations, and even natural plant extracts, which they tout as being wonderful...
The pharmeceutical companies would also like to have a monopoly on the supply of cocaine and heroin, but that eludes them!
Brunstrom has taken the time to meet with many drug users and pressure groups, and has sought pragmatic solutions, something which many politicians have not undertaken.
He has realised, after years of wasted police time that the current drug laws are unrealistic, and are wasting public cash. He is the messenger perhaps, let`s not shoot him.
Wrong post, wrong blog, anonymong.
Gets you a wider audience though, does it not?
Not if you don't supply a link for context
He might explain in HIS opinion, but he then deletes comments, a good nationalist blogger like Ordovicius.
He is another one that should get off his arse and do some thing productive.
Dylan for office!
At least he declares what he is about and what he has done in real life, not the bloody blogsphere, under anonymous names!
I'm not on incapacity. I get income support with a disability payment. I have to supply sicknotes every few months to show that, yes, I still have that incurable genetic condition, what a surprise. It's a funny thing they do to keep the incapacity numbers down. The system is not designed to help people with genuine
If that is the case then you have nothing to fear, you are a genuine case!
Your pal.
johnny.