Philadelphia is reportedly about do something quite radical, Axios reports.
The city's District Attorney Larry Krasner told Axios that he is "very close" to implementing a first-of-its kind policy that would relax the penalties for drug possession laws.
The plan, which is not formalized and is without a timeline for rollout, wouldn't penalize anyone arrested for possessing small amounts of illicit drugs with incarceration or a criminal record. Instead, the offender would likely either have to attend a treatment program or participate in community service.
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"Possession is different than dealing," Krasner, who Axios writes is considered one of the most progressive district attorneys in the country, said. "We are talking about using drugs. The vast majority of them suffer from addiction. I do not see value in convicting people like that." Krasner said it makes a lot more sense to treat possession without the intent to sell as a medical issue, especially because drug possession criminalization makes it harder for people to get educational loans, homes, and jobs — thus, trapping them in a cycle.
If Philadelphia enacts the plan successfully, Axios writes, it could prove to be a trail blazer for other American cities. Read more at Axios.
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