COP on the Hill: Stories from the week of November 8, 2019

COP on the Hill
Stories from the week of November 8, 2019

Makes my day easier: Chatting with an aide to a Florida, Republican office – she finished half of my sentences regarding marijuana and the prohibitions of all the drugs. No, my task is not easy. However, it is infinitely easier than in years past.
: With the cooler weather I am again wearing my windbreaker with the message of legalize heroin. On three separate occasions I was asked by other lobbyists why. These chats just add to the spice of the day to make the job interesting. And then almost no matter what they were lobbying for, I am able to mention how the War on Drugs has an impact in their world.

This week’s stats:

3264 Presentations to Congressional staffers… 07 this week
01 Meeting –
COP stats since inception: August 2009

384 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, etc. 0 this week
315 personal chats with a Member of Congress… 0 this week
85 Radio Interviews.. 0 this week
164 interviews and reports in minor media = 0 this week
102 Appearances/Interviews on major TV/Radio/Print media. 0 This week
Blaze TV {new, popular right-wing}, (Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Univision, BBC, CNN, NPR, German, Swiss, French, Spanish TV and radio) Detroit News, Detroit Free Press, Grand Rapids Press + 9 other MI papers. Chicago Tribute, Honolulu Star Advertiser {foto and caption}, Reason Magazine, Reuters
31 major conferences attended – (UN drug conference, CPAC, LULAC, NRA, CBC, ASA, DPA, Dem & Repub. Presidential conventions., National Review, Republican Annual Retreat etc.) 0 this week
Weekly attendance at Grover Norquist’s Wednesday brunch attended by 150 conservative leaders. Named the “Grand Central Station of the Conservative Movement.”
* 2 editorials in daily papers mentioning Howard’s efforts & in support of COP position
84 published letters to the editor (value per MAPINC in free publicity: $83,000) 0 this week
43 published interviews/foto in major (daily) newspapers or magazine… 0 this week
* Consider being a member of COP at $40.00 or more per year. All contributions are tax-deductible. 40 dollars buys all the copy paper COP uses in one year. Law Enforcement’s voice in opposition to current policy is vital on the Hill to achieve a repeal of federal drug prohibition. COP provides that voice. www.citizensopposingprohibition.org

COP on the Hill: Stories from the week of November 1, 2019

COP on the Hill

Buildup of Good Karma?: My first week back from holidays was extraordinary. At the Grover Norquist center-right meeting I had solid chats with two Republican members of Congress, the governor of Alaska and four (4) candidates for Congress. As a bonus the former communications director of Speaker Boehner popped in and we caught up. Note: with the politicos – all I discussed was the opioid epidemic and how the Swiss program saves lives and money…

Fun Story: A woman in my Saturday morning French group had asked and received the two big reasons to legalize heroin. She was excited to tell me how she had relayed the reasons to a woman friend who wanted drug users locked up as long as possible. Her answers rocked her friend and started a spirited debate between the two. Legalizing all drugs would mean protecting our children better!!! Small steps.

War on US: an acquaintance of Colleen Cowles has just published a thorough primer on all aspects of our lovely Modern Prohibition / War on Drugs… I do heartily recommend the book for those who want to gain a background on the policy, history, its effects and the path forward. See Below for details.

This week’s stats:

3257 Presentations to Congressional staffers… 05 this week
384chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, etc. 05 this week
315 personal chats with a Member of Congress… 02 this week
01 Meetings –

COP stats since inception: August 2009

85 Radio Interviews.. 0 this week
164 interviews and reports in minor media = 0 this week
102 Appearances/Interviews on major TV/Radio/Print media. 0 This week
Blaze TV {new, popular right-wing}, (Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Univision, BBC, CNN, NPR, German, Swiss, French, Spanish TV and radio) Detroit News, Detroit Free Press, Grand Rapids Press + 9 other MI papers. Chicago Tribute, Honolulu Star Advertiser {foto and caption}, Reason Magazine, Reuters
31 major conferences attended – (UN drug conference, CPAC, LULAC, NRA, CBC, ASA, DPA, Dem & Repub. Presidential conventions., National Review, Republican Annual Retreat etc.) 0 this week
Weekly attendance at Grover Norquist’s Wednesday brunch attended by 150 conservative leaders. Named the “Grand Central Station of the Conservative Movement.”
* 2 editorials in daily papers mentioning Howard’s efforts & in support of COP position
84 published letters to the editor (value per MAPINC in free publicity: $83,000) 0 this week
43 published interviews/foto in major (daily) newspapers or magazine… 0 this week
* Consider being a member of COP at $40.00 or more per year. All contributions are tax-deductible. 40 dollars buys all the copy paper COP uses in one year. Law Enforcement’s voice in opposition to current policy is vital on the Hill to achieve a repeal of federal drug prohibition. COP provides that voice. www.citizensopposingprohibition.org

Colleen Cowles

As many of you know, a book I authored has just been released. OCTOBER 30th is OFFICIAL LAUNCH DAY FOR THE NEW BOOK, “War on Us: How the War on Drugs and Myths About Addiction Have Created a War on All of Us”. The War on Drugs truly does affect all of us. Sharing this information could be very helpful to someone you know, and I’d greatly appreciate it if you’d share this email and upcoming Facebook posts.

CHECK OUT THIS VIDEO (under two minutes) for a preview of book content. The statistics are truly shocking!

ORDER FROM AMAZON on OCTOBER 30th, the official launch day, to RECEIVE 3 ADDITIONAL FREE BaONUSES.
Click HERE for more information on bonuses, or visit www.WarOnUs.com to request free sample chapters.
Thanks to everyone for all of the support and encouragement in completing this project. I couldn’t have done it without you.
– Colleen

COP on the Hill: Stories from the week of October 25, 2019

COP on the Hill

Stories from the week of October 25, 2019

Cheese, Chocolate and Heroin Treatment: On the 27th of Sept I met with Catherine Ritter and her assistant at a café in Bern, Switzerland. After catching up (we met in Geneva 3 years ago), she gave me some of the latest literature (in English), answered my several questions and most importantly, confirmed the Swiss govt is still ready to come to the Congress and explain their program for heroin addiction treatment.

Good and Bad – Catherine said from time to time the legislature wonders why they are spending money on heroin treatment, when there hasn’t been a “problem” in so long. She has to remind them of how big the problem was before the implementation of HAT (Heroin Assisted Treatment)

A week later I had lunch in Bern with Dr. Christoph Bürki, former director of the Bern heroin clinic and my professional friend now for 19 years. Still specializing in treatment, now in private practice, he shared the latest in on- the- ground info on treating heroin addiction. He shared his experience as a brand new doctor in the 90s in Zurich and having addicts he was trying to help, dying weekly.

Last, I had a coffee with a now retired police officer in Lausanne. He and most of his colleagues were opposed to opening an HAT clinic in his city. After it had been open a year, and the crime had dropped dramatically (60%), he and others reluctantly came around. He said the police dept resistance is now almost zero.

Note: total expenses for the three meetings to COP budget: just under 200 dollars

Personal: Gas tank is full and I’ll be at work this coming week.

This week’s stats:
03 Meetings –

COP stats since inception: August 2009

3252 Presentations to Congressional staffers… this week
379 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, etc. this week
313 personal chats with a Member of Congress… 0 this week (CMan Trone, D-MD)
85 Radio Interviews.. 0 this week
164 interviews and reports in minor media = 0 this week
102 Appearances/Interviews on major TV/Radio/Print media. 0 This week
Blaze TV {new, popular right-wing}, (Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Univision, BBC, CNN, NPR, German, Swiss, French, Spanish TV and radio) Detroit News, Detroit Free Press, Grand Rapids Press + 9 other MI papers. Chicago Tribute, Honolulu Star Advertiser {foto and caption}, Reason Magazine, Reuters
31 major conferences attended – (UN drug conference, CPAC, LULAC, NRA, CBC, ASA, DPA, Dem & Repub. Presidential conventions., National Review, Republican Annual Retreat etc.) 0 this week
Weekly attendance at Grover Norquist’s Wednesday brunch attended by 150 conservative leaders. Named the “Grand Central Station of the Conservative Movement.”
* 2 editorials in daily papers mentioning Howard’s efforts & in support of COP position
84 published letters to the editor (value per MAPINC in free publicity: $83,000) 0 this week
43 published interviews/foto in major (daily) newspapers or magazine… 0 this week
* Consider being a member of COP at $40.00 or more per year. All contributions are tax-deductible. 40 dollars buys all the copy paper COP uses in one year. Law Enforcement’s voice in opposition to current policy is vital on the Hill to achieve a repeal of federal drug prohibition. COP provides that voice. www.citizensopposingprohibition.org

COP on the Hill: Stories from the week of September 13, 2019

COP on the Hill

Stories from the week of September 13, 2019

DUIM as an Issue: there was another hearing on the topic (not problem per se) of DUI Marijuana. The panel of PHD researchers gave the Members their best information. Of course, there were no police officers on the panel to explain how it works in the “real world.” After the hearing I provided all Members my how-to sheet of how to detect, test, arrest and successfully prosecute. (see below)

Me thinks the Members simply want to ‘check the box’ that they discussed the issue vs. actually learn if there is a problem and how it can be effectively handled.

If they are talking about you, you must be doing something right: Nickel and Dime– On Saturday I dined at my favorite restaurant. As I walked to the restroom, a young woman at a table of four read out loud my “Cops Say Legalize Heroin – Ask Me Why”. No, no one at the table asked me why, as I passed the their table on the way back. However, there is little doubt, that table had a small chat, started by the shirt…and this happens, BTW, all the time.

The Crime Report is a national, work-day summary of criminal justice news. Once again (like the House Committee) they reported on the issue of DUIM. And they included my rebuttal report. Recall nine months ago, the publication asked for, received and published my 600 word opinion on the topic. It feels good to contribute. It is included in the URL.

https://thecrimereport.org/2019/09/06/scientists-developing-breath-test-for-marijuana/
See Also: Marijuana and Driving: A Cop’s Perspective, by Howard Wooldridge, The Crime Report, Jan 17, 2019.

The Swamp is killing me (or at least my spirit): Not whining, just stating the facts… I leave on the 17th for an extended (5 week) mental health break; 10 days with my German family, 10 days in Switzerland mostly to admire the mountains {one meeting with Swiss Health Ministry} and 10 days in southern France to drink too much wine. The next Stories will be for October 25 to report on the results of my meeting in Bern.

This week’s stats:

3252 Presentations to Congressional staffers… 07 this week
379 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, etc. 03 this week (three candidates for Congress)
01 Meeting – Grover Norquist,

COP stats since inception: August 2009

313 personal chats with a Member of Congress… 0 this week (CMan Trone, D-MD)
85 Radio Interviews.. 0 this week
164 interviews and reports in minor media = 0 this week
102 Appearances/Interviews on major TV/Radio/Print media. 0 This week
Blaze TV {new, popular right-wing}, (Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Univision, BBC, CNN, NPR, German, Swiss, French, Spanish TV and radio) Detroit News, Detroit Free Press, Grand Rapids Press + 9 other MI papers. Chicago Tribute, Honolulu Star Advertiser {foto and caption}, Reason Magazine, Reuters
31 major conferences attended – (UN drug conference, CPAC, LULAC, NRA, CBC, ASA, DPA, Dem & Repub. Presidential conventions., National Review, Republican Annual Retreat etc.) 0 this week
Weekly attendance at Grover Norquist’s Wednesday brunch attended by 150 conservative leaders. Named the “Grand Central Station of the Conservative Movement.”
* 2 editorials in daily papers mentioning Howard’s efforts & in support of COP position
84 published letters to the editor (value per MAPINC in free publicity: $83,000) 0 this week
43 published interviews/foto in major (daily) newspapers or magazine… 0 this week
* Consider being a member of COP at $40.00 or more per year. All contributions are tax-deductible. 40 dollars buys all the copy paper COP uses in one year. Law Enforcement’s voice in opposition to current policy is vital on the Hill to achieve a repeal of federal drug prohibition. COP provides that voice. www.citizensopposingprohibition.org

DUI of Marijuana Arrest Procedures (or any non-alcohol, intoxicating drug (pain killers)

Overview: Based on the street experience of the author (400 arrests for DUI or DUID), arresting anyone for non-alcohol related DUI follows closely the same procedures as alcohol-related DUI. The three (3) differences are that on the side of the road, there is no instrument-based test to determine the level of intoxication. The second difference is that blood should be drawn before the arrestee is put in jail. The third is the results of the blood test are not known, until after the arrestee has been released. Regardless of the court outcome, public safety is served.

Steps:

1. Officer observes bad driving or responds to an accident.
2. Officer conducts a field interview (questions and observations) of the driver to determine sobriety.
3. If sobriety is in question, officer has subject perform physical & mental tests.

A. NOTE: In some states, a DRE (drug recognition expert) will also run the suspect through a series of physiological (pulse rate, nystagmus) and performance tests. A DRE is advantageous but not necessary.

4. If tests indicate intoxication above the legal standard and alcohol is not detected, the subject is arrested and read their rights for a chemical test.
5. The officer requests the arrestee submit to a blood test, as breath would be useless.
6. The arrestee is taken to a medical facility and blood is drawn. Arrestee is taken to jail. Formal charge is DUI of Drugs. The blood is taken to a lab. NOTE: if arrestee declines to take the test, a search warrant is obtained and blood is drawn with or without their cooperation.
7. X Days later the results from the lab are sent to the prosecutor’s office. The prosecutor would then issue a complaint and warrant for DUI of Drugs, if the facts warrant such.

A. NOTE: Pennsylvania used to have a 5ng/ml THC/blood standard for DUI but in 2011 amended it to 1ng/ml. Some states set the level at any detectable level = per se law (Michigan) or 2ng/ml (Ohio, Nevada). Colorado and Washington are now 5 ng/ml.

8. If a trial takes place, the prosecution uses the following elements to demonstrate guilt to the jury: driving, field interview and the presence of marijuana in the blood (or other intoxicating drugs—note most common in my experience was prescription pain killers).

9. Generally speaking the punishment for DUI alcohol and DUI marijuana is the same.

10. Whereas the federal government has set a national standard of 0.08% for alcohol DUI (in order to receive highway funds), it has not set a standard for marijuana or any other intoxicating drug (cocaine, heroin, Oxicodone, Vicodin, etc)

Howard
Detective Officer Howard ‘Cowboy’ Wooldridge, Retired

Founder & Drug Policy Specialist of COP Citizens Opposing Prohibition

COP on the Hill: Stories from the weeks of September 6, 2019

COP on the Hill

Stories from the weeks of September 6, 2019

A Real Democrat?; I had a sitdown chat with my CMan Trone, a Democrat. What an experience…He loves the Drug War/would not change much; vehemently against legalize/regulate marijuana, did not know what the 10th Amendment was (his aide filled him in – on the spot); believes strongly in the Gateway theory of MJ..I thought I walked into a time capsule…Yikes!!

Beauty Salons as the path to success? On Saturday at the café the woman asked if I were a police officer, then about the shirt..’ I was talking to my hairdresser about the shirt the other day and the hairdresser wants to know why.’
3-4 minutes later she was all set to deliver my talking points to the beauty salon. Move over Rotary? I should spend more time with hair dressers? You know how they (and barbers) talk!!

My 10th Amendment Legislation: FWIW – I had heard solid, reliable information this week that the Senate will act on returning the issue of marijuana back to the states…..not out of love, rather political hardball. I will keep you appraised.

This week’s stats:

313 personal chats with a Member of Congress… 01 this week (CMan Trone, D-MD)
3245 Presentations to Congressional staffers… 06 this week
376 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, etc. 02 this week (two candidates for Congress)
01 Meeting – Grover Norquist,

COP stats since inception: August 2009

85 Radio Interviews.. 0 this week
164 interviews and reports in minor media = 0 this week
102 Appearances/Interviews on major TV/Radio/Print media. 0 This week
Blaze TV {new, popular right-wing}, (Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Univision, BBC, CNN, NPR, German, Swiss, French, Spanish TV and radio) Detroit News, Detroit Free Press, Grand Rapids Press + 9 other MI papers. Chicago Tribute, Honolulu Star Advertiser {foto and caption}, Reason Magazine, Reuters
31 major conferences attended – (UN drug conference, CPAC, LULAC, NRA, CBC, ASA, DPA, Dem & Repub. Presidential conventions., National Review, Republican Annual Retreat etc.) 0 this week
Weekly attendance at Grover Norquist’s Wednesday brunch attended by 150 conservative leaders. Named the “Grand Central Station of the Conservative Movement.”
* 2 editorials in daily papers mentioning Howard’s efforts & in support of COP position
84 published letters to the editor (value per MAPINC in free publicity: $83,000) 0 this week
43 published interviews/foto in major (daily) newspapers or magazine… 0 this week
* Consider being a member of COP at $40.00 or more per year. All contributions are tax-deductible. 40 dollars buys all the copy paper COP uses in one year. Law Enforcement’s voice in opposition to current policy is vital on the Hill to achieve a repeal of federal drug prohibition. COP provides that voice. www.citizensopposingprohibition.org