Sarnia's new police chief has hit the ground running to make sure his officers are ready to enforce the recreational marijuana market once cannabis becomes legal in Canada on October 17.
One month into his role as chief, Norm Hansen was officially sworn-in by Sarnia's Police Services Board Thursday morning.
He says every police service has limited time to prepare for legal pot.
"We've had this thrust upon us," says Hansen. "Whatever someone's opinion of the new laws are... they're coming. So we have to get ready as best as possible."
But, he's confident his officers will adapt quickly.
"Showing how old I am, when I first came on the department in 1985, the officers were still complaining about the Charter of Rights from 1982, because prior to that they didn't even have to read someone their rights to counsel," says Hansen. "They didn't have to abide by any of the Charter of Rights. Coming on as a new officer, I remember thinking, 'of course you can call a lawyer, of course, you should be able to do this.'"
Hansen says it's a sure bet the courts will be busy with people challenging the new law.
"I attended a Zone 6 meeting in Windsor and there was a presentation by a well-known defence lawyer, and he actually said 'we're rubbing our hands because we're going to make a lot of money with this and it's true because whenever you try to lay a new charge -- there's appeals."
Board members also expressed concern Thursday about Michigan residents visiting Sarnia to purchase or consume pot.
Hansen says they will have to follow the same laws as Ontario residents.
When it comes to the impact on day to day operations, Hansen says they won't really know that until the law is in effect.
