Revere police chief eyes tougher pot laws

REVERE – Revere Police Chief Terence Reardon said Tuesday he plans to address City Council about how to enforce the new marijuana decriminalization law that went into effect statewide Friday.As it stands now, if a person stopped by police is found to be in possession of less than one ounce of pot, the suspect would not legally have to give police his or her identification unless being charged with another crime.”They could say they’re Mickey Mouse,” Reardon said.The law also proposes a $100 civil fine for offenders. Reardon said there is no legal recourse to collect the money if the suspect decides not to pay.”Quite frankly, it shouldn’t have been on the ballot the way is was presented,” Reardon said. “Now we have to clean up the mess.”The police chief said he will ask the council to propose a city-wide ordinance that would require marijuana possession suspects to provide their identities or be subject to arrest. He will also ask for another ordinance that would give city officials legal authority to criminally charge an offender who has neglected to pay fines.Reardon said he would also support a proposal by councilman George Rotundo that would increase the fines for people caught with marijuana. The state law requires a $100 fine; Rotundo is proposing a $300 fine for anyone caught with pot in Revere.Another problem with the law that officials are trying to solve is whether it’s OK to arrest someone for smoking marijuana in a public building. Reardon said it’s unclear whether the new law contradicts a statewide ban on smoking cigarettes inside public buildings and bars.Reardon said he plans to submit a Columbia University written study on the effects of marijuana use to council members when he submits his proposals.