Title
Dept/ Agency: Offices of Municipal Council/City Clerk
Action: ( ) Ratifying (X) Authorizing ( ) Amending
Type of Service: Urging an Order Prohibiting Marijuana use by Police Officers and Special Police Officers
Purpose: Prohibiting marijuana use by Police Officers and Special Police Officers.
Sponsor(s): Council Member, Anibal Ramos, Jr.
Additional Information:
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WHEREAS, on April 21, 2022, New Jersey State Law will allow for the legal purchase and usage of marijuana in sanctioned dispensaries; and
WHEREAS, the State law does not make a distinction for armed law enforcement; and
WHEREAS, the United States Department of Justice, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms Explosives, maintains its prohibition against any firearms purchaser using marijuana (see ATF Form 4473 (5300.9), revised May 2020); and
WHEREAS, Police Officers, along with Special Police Officers, serving under the supervision of the Newark Department of Public Safety, Police Division, are required to carry a firearm both on duty and off-duty; and
WHEREAS, under ATF Guidelines, use of marijuana is prohibited for those purchasing a firearm; therefore, Newark Police Officers and Special Police Officers would be unable to perform their duties; and
WHEREAS, an armed Police Officer's judgment under the influence of marijuana may be impaired while performing their responsibilities; and
WHEREAS, the actions taken by an armed Police Officer, under the influence of marijuana, may be questioned in a court of law.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MUNICIPAL COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEWARK, STATE OF NEW JERSEY, THAT:
1. The Municipal Council urges the Mayor of the City of Newark and the Business Administrator to issue an order to prohibit the use of marijuana within the Department of Public Safety, Police Division, by Police Officers and Special Police Officers, until the fe...
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