CHIPPEWA TOWNSHIP (KDKA) – “It’s the first in Beaver County, it’s the first township in the state I know. It’s long overdue. “
In the heart of Beaver County is a community dedicated to marijuana reform.
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It’s still illegal to smoke marijuana in Chippewa, but now a person won’t be charged with criminal charges – at least if you have some time.
In Chippewa, a person only gets a ticket for a small bag of weeds.
“We really shouldn’t have to do this. I do not want to do that. I’d rather the state and federal government take care of it, but if they aren’t, we have to take over here, ”said Dan Woodske, Chippewa Town Supervisor.
He tells KDKA that “the time is now”, so they made an ordinance.
“Weeds are still illegal. You can’t walk around smoking weed wherever you want. It’s still illegal in Chippewa, but now it’s a summary crime, much like a parking ticket. “
The ordinance decriminalizes the possession, use, or smoking of a small amount of marijuana or marijuana paraphernalia in Chippewa.
In Pennsylvania, a “small amount” is equivalent to 30 grams of marijuana or 8 grams of hashish. Woodske says “the high” will now cost a person $ 300 and will give the police time and money.
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“For every weed charge that we would have, there is about 6 hours of police time between writing the crime, posting the crime and fingerprinting,” said boss Eric Hermick.
A problem with financial burden and manpower: This is how the police chief of Chippewa, Eric Hermick, describes these small drug offenses. Plus the hours spent in the courthouse.
“What the officials don’t have on duty, they’re not the company cars, so they come in on their day off, which costs taxpayers overtime.”
Chief Hermick gave more time for his officers to make a difference.
“The money could be used for proactive police work. Reduce injury-related accidents and prevent tragedy on the highway. Take time to investigate and be part of the community instead of wasting time and money on something that turns into a crime at the end of the day, ”said Chief Hermick.
Supervisor Woodske tells KDKA that the Beaver County District Attorney has given it “okay”.
This regulation also only applies to small quantities of marijuana and first-time offenders.
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Chef Hermic tells KDKA that he won’t see the same person’s name three times and still give a ticket.
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