People stopped for low-level marijuana possession in New York City will now be issued tickets instead of being arrested, reported the Wall Street Journal.
The change, which will go into effect November 19, was a pledge that Mayor Bill de Blasio made during his campaign for mayor to repair relations between police and minorities.
Under the new policy, officers will issue a court summons to people found in possession of 25 grams or fewer of marijuana, officials said.
The summons would essentially be like a citation for public urination—something one has to take care of with a court appearance and potential fine versus an arrest, a trip to the precinct station for fingerprinting and a criminal record, officials said.
However, arrests will still be made of people caught in the act of smoking or burning marijuana; if they have an outstanding warrant, or are wanted for questioning in a crime.
