IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

Seattle Cop Who Issued 80 Percent of Pot Tickets Reassigned

A Seattle officer has been reassigned after a review found he wrote 80 percent of marijuana tickets issued in the city during the first half of 2014.
Image: Marijuana plants for sale are displayed at the medical marijuana farmers market at the California Heritage Market in Los Angeles, Calif. on July 11.
Marijuana plants for sale are displayed at the medical marijuana farmers market at the California Heritage Market in Los Angeles, Calif. on July 11.David McNew / REUTERS

SEATTLE — A Seattle police officer has been reassigned after a review found he wrote about 80 percent of marijuana tickets issued in the city during the first half of 2014. Seattle Police Chief Kathleen O'Toole said Wednesday on the department website that the unidentified officer issued 66 of 83 citations for public pot use in Seattle.

She said that in some cases, he added notes to the tickets or addressed them to Seattle City Attorney Pete Holmes. In another case, the officer reportedly said he flipped a coin when deciding which person to cite. O'Toole said the officer also wrote that the voter-approved state initiative legalizing recreational marijuana was "silly." The case has been referred to the department's Office of Professional Accountability. O'Toole said the officer won't be on patrol duties during the investigation.

SOCIAL

—The Associated Press