Can Baltimore end the War on Drugs? With move to decriminalize, state s attorney leads way
Justin Fenton
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Baltimore In Portugal, where drugs were decriminalized two decades ago, anyone found with drugs goes before a panel made up of legal, health and social work professionals who refer them to treatment. As Oregon decriminalized drugs earlier this year following a referendum, tax revenue from marijuana sales was allotted for increased public health support.
But in Baltimore, where State’s Attorney Marilyn J. Mosby in March cut the cord on possession arrests that have been falling for many years, the city is only inching toward establishing a wider public health response.
Baltimore State’s Attorney Marilyn J. Mosby last month cut the cord on possession arrests that have been falling for many years, but the city is only inching toward establishing a wider public health response, and residents are voicing concern and frustration.
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A prominent Baltimore attorney is calling for the resignation of the city inspector general.
J. Wyndal Gordon alleged Baltimore Inspector General Isabel Mercedes Cumming is biased in how she handles investigations. She has been nothing but beguiling, surreptitious, deceptive and downright sneaky. So if you are going to be the ethics official, your reputation, your integrity should be beyond reproach, and that s not what we see from her, Gordon said.
Cumming has served as Baltimore City s inspector general for the past three years. She is the first female and Hispanic to have the job. I think they are using my office as a deflection. Deflection on the issues that really surround them, which is a federal investigation, Cumming said.