While this perspective is somewhat at odds with reality, assignment to an IA unit still carries enough of a stigma that selecting such personnel is among the most critical, even problematic, decisions made by police executives. Lauderdale learns a lesson from Miami in dealing with the homeless Police brass in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., seeking to avoid problems that befell neighboring Miami some years back, believe they have created a plan that not only deals sensibly with the city s homeless population, but has prompted a change in the attitude of police officers toward those residents. Under a policy established last July, which specifically states that homelessness is not a crime, officers are encouraged to refer the homeless to social service agencies in lieu of making an arrest. In an effort to satisfy both the citizens of Maine, who voted last year in favor of a medical marijuana initiative, and the federal government, which still considers purchase of the substance a crime, state legislators have come up with a bill that borrows from the tale of Robin Hood in this case, take from the criminals and give to the sick and needy. A proposal introduced this month by state Senator Anne M. Rand, a Portland Democrat, would create a registry system for patients whose doctors affirm that marijuana would alleviate their conditions.
Fugitives list arguably the most famous program the agency has ever had.
Over the years, the list has captured the public s imagination while leading to the capture of hundreds of wanted criminals, and in the process has served as a reflection of the changing priorities in law enforcement. During the 1940s and 1950s, car thieves and bank robbers were considered public enemies, then the violent war protesters of the 60s and 70s. In a report released eight months after the launching of an exhaustive probe of the Cleveland Police Department, a team of internal affairs investigators has concluded that they found no evidence to support allegations of organized racism within the agency. The report on the inquiry ordered by Mayor Michael R. White represents the latest source of friction between the city s 1,850-member police union and City Hall. White angered officers last August when he decided to allow marchers in a Ku Klux Klan rally to change into their hoods and sheets in the basement of police headquarters.