Weekly News

in a recent article produced by BBC news, they raise the point about whether it is acceptable for people to be stopped and searched because of an apparent strong smell of cannabis. this is a highly argued point as the grounds of police stop and search are often question, as we don't know when it is appropriate to allow this and when we have the right to say no. Police officers can use stop-and-search powers if they have "reasonable grounds" to suspect someone is carrying items such as drugs, weapons or stolen property. Last year, they were given new guidance by the College of Policing that the smell of cannabis on its own would not normally justify stopping and searching someone or their vehicle. However, Chief Constable Andy Cooke, of Merseyside Police, said he would not be giving that advice to his teams. He tweeted: "I disagree. The guidance in my view is wrong and the law does not preclude it. "Smell of cannabis is sufficient to stop search and I will continue to encourage my officers to use it particularly on those criminals who are engaged in serious and organised crime." As a professional in his field, I feel Andy may have better knowledge when it is appropriate to conduct a stop and search therefore his opinion as he has previous experience may be of some value. in my own opinion I do agree that the smell of cannabis is a good enough basis to stop and search someone as it is illegal to be in possession of any small amount of the substance, therefore, the smell would indicate it was on the person. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-42329124