Description
I called in a complaint regarding individuals smoking Marijuana at Tiffany Park located between Hst and Elmhurst St. The dispatcher (I believe was 876) called me back an hour or so later stating that her Lieutenant stated that it was not a criminal act to smoke Marijuana and therefore was not going to send officers to respond. I asked again if it was not a crime and she stated that according to her Lieutenant it was not. Policy, 8.22.030, clearly states that smoking tobacco or any weed in a public place is prohibited. So did that policy change as well, in regards to the legalization of Marijuana use in California. Can someone please explain to me why the Lieutenant came to his conclusion? Thank you.
And can I remind you that the park is located next to Burton Tiffany Elementary and I have found drugs, empty and half full alcohol cans in the park before.
I called at 9:03 pm and 9:07pm and was called back at 10:01 pm in case you guys want to review the calls.
1 Comment
Acknowledged Edward Chew (Registered User)
Thank you for taking the time to bring this issue to our attention. We do apologize for any confusion regarding this issue. It is a violation of the City of Chula Vista's Municipal Code to smoke any tobacco product in our parks and any other place designated for no smoking. Although I am unable to answer as to how the Watch Commander and Dispatch came to there conclusion for this particular issue, I will be speaking with the Watch Commanders and the Dispatch Supervisors to ensure accurate response to these types of calls for service. Please understand that Officers are dispatched to calls for service based upon priority, not in order of when calls are received. While we do appreciate citizens calling in issues like this, it is a low priority call, and there may be delays in dispatching Officers who are responding to higher priority calls for service.
Lt. Kenny Heinz
Chula Vista Police Department
Community Policing Unit
619-476-2406