Dallas Police Department officers are now under new guidelines regarding marijuana possession enforcement
In November, Dallas voters overwhelmingly approved Proposition R, which decriminalizes the possession of up to four ounces of marijuana. Now, Dallas officers are no longer allowed to make arrests or issue citations for marijuana possession up to four ounces, according to a police memo that was sent to The Marijuana Herald. The memo was issued by Interim Police Chief Michael Igo.
Additionally, the memo states that the odor of marijuana can no longer serve as probable cause for searches or seizures, except in cases involving violent felonies or high-priority narcotics investigations.
Under the previous policy, officers would confiscate marijuana without making arrests or issuing citations for quantities under two ounces. The new directive, issued on Friday, deems this approach “obsolete.”
Proposition R, also known as the Dallas Freedom Act, was approved by 66% of voters in the November election. In the same election, Bastrop and Lockhart passed decriminalization ordinances, joining San Marcos, Killeen, Elgin, Denton, and Harker Heights, which had already done so.
“Regardless of your thoughts and/or opinions regarding the passing of this amendment, we must remain focused on our duties and obligations to the Dallas Police Department and the residents of the City of Dallas,” said Igo in the memo.
The memo and the department’s willingness to honor Proposition R is significant as marijuana remains illegal under state law, which could provide the department with a loophole to continue making arrests despite the city voting to decriminalize possession—a situation seen in several other cities.
