12 - Laserfiche WebLink

DISPENSARIES REDUCE CRIME AND IMPROVE PUBLIC SAFETY Some reports have suggested that dispen- sariesare magnets for criminal activity or other behavior that is a problem for the com- munity, but the experience of those cities with dispensary regulations says otherwise. Crime statistic and the accounts of local officials sur- veyed by ASA indicate that crime is actually reduced by the presence of a dispensary. And complaints from citizens and surrounding businesses are either negligible or are signifi- cantly reduced with the implementation of local regulations. This trend has led multiple cities and counties to consider regulation as a solution. Kern County, which passed a dispensary ordinance in July 2006, is a case in point. The sheriff there noted in his staff report that "regulato- ry oversight at the local levels helps prevent crime directly and indirectly related to illegal operations occurring under the pretense and protection of state laws authorizing Medical Marijuana Dispensaries." Although dispensary- related crime has not been a problem for the county, the regulations will help law enforce- ment determine the legitimacy of dispensaries and their patients. The sheriff specifically pointed out that, "existing dispensaries have not caused notice- able law enforcement of secondary effects and problems for at least one year. As a result, the focus of the proposed Ordinance is narrowed to insure Dispensary compliance with the law" (Kern County Staff Report, Proposed Ordinance Regulating Medical Cannabis Dispensaries, July 11, 2006). The presence of a dispensary in the neighbor- hood can actually improve public safety and reduce crime. Most dispensaries take security for their members and staff more seriously than many businesses. Security cameras are often used both inside and outside the prem- ises, and security guards are often employed to ensure safety. Both cameras and security guards serve as a general deterrent to crimi- nal activity and other problems on the street. Those likely to engage in such activities will tend to move to aless-monitored area, there- by ensuring a safe environment not only for dispensary members and staff but also for neighbors and businesses in the surrounding area. Residents in areas surrounding dispensaries have reported improvements to the neighbor- hood. Kirk C., a long time San Francisco resi- dent, commented at a city hearing, "I have lived in the same apartment along the Divisadero corridor in San Francisco for the past five years. Each store that has opened in my neighborhood has been nicer, with many new restaurants quickly becoming some of the city's hottest spots. My neighborhood's crime and vandalism seems to be going down year after year. It strikes me that the dispen- saries have been a vital part of the improve- ment that is going on in my neighborhood." Oakland's city administrator for the ordinance regulating dispensaries, Barbara Killey, notes that "The areas around the dispensaries may be some of the most safest areas of Oakland now because of the level of security, surveil- lance, etc...since the ordinance passed." Likewise, Santa Rosa Mayor Jane Bender noted that since the city passed its ordinance, there appears to be "a decrease in criminal activity. There certainly has been a decrease in complaints. The city attorney says there have been no complaints either from citizens nor from neighboring businesses." Fa more information, see wvwv.AmencansForSafeAccess.org or contact the ASA office at 1-888-929-4367 or 510.251-1856 7