Marijuana arrests for Blacks and Hispanics still rising in NYC despite decriminalization measures


 

Last year, when it was revealed that Blacks and Latinos in NYC were arrested at higher rates for marijuana stops, Mayor Bill de Blasio enacted new measures to address the disparity.

Yet new statistics show that the rate of African-Americans and Hispanics arrested for weed possession is rising despite the city’s decriminalization efforts.

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But despite the order by Mayor Blasio to give people in possession of marijuana a summons, people of color are still getting arrested, and that number has moved up two points, according to the latest city stats, The NY Daily News reports. In comparison, the number of whites getting arrested for marijuana crimes in New York City have decreased.

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Police spokeswoman Sgt. Jessica McRorie maintain that marijuana arrests have decreased.

“The NYPD has dramatically reduced arrests and summonses for marijuana-related offenses,” Sgt. McRorie said. “This new policy is an important step toward less intrusive enforcement while we continue to drive down crime to record lows and New York City remains the safest big city.”

Under the new rules, offenders should be ticketed and will avoid jail time, unless they already have some serious crimes on record.

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