In a D.C. policy shift, the police will not be making custodial arrests of people found using marijuana, according to a report in The Washington Times. The plant is allowed in the district for recreational purposes on private property, but not in public.
According to district officials, the Metropolitan Police Department will issue citations instead of arresting people who are caught consuming marijuana in public. They will be given 15 days to go to the police station for booking. Then, they will have to either pay a $25 fine or take the issue to court.
“We cherish the trust we have built between residents and the police. This policy will reduce the number of people who are taken into custody and allow us to better focus our efforts and resources on building a safer, stronger D.C.,” said Mayor Muriel Bowser.
Arrests are still possible under the new policy, if people found using marijuana in public have outstanding warrants, or if the authorities determine that the offending persons will not appear in the court.