jurisdiction issues

[finfanfromWA]

THIS IS NOT A PRO MARIJUANA THREAD! I do not want to discuss the pro vs cons marijuana, but right now it is the only example that I can think of.

It is my understanding that in Denver marijuana is legal by city laws but illegal by federal (DEA) laws. If this is the case, can a Denver city copy help out in a federal DEA case? Can they arrest people and then turn them over to the DEA? Can Denver cops help in a "raid?"


Are there other examples of something being legal in a local sense but illegal in a federal sense?

Once again, to make it clear, I am just wondering how the jurisdiction works in this case. I do not smoke, nor do I know anyone who has been busted. I am not trying to build a case for or against anything.

[LA DEP]

We dealt with this exact issue at the last station I worked......

We were PROHIBITED from assisting DEA on their warrants except to assist on the outside containment, and with crowd control if needed.

[10-31Mike]

Can Denver cops help in a "raid?"


Are there other examples of something being legal in a local sense but illegal in a federal sense?

Sure. Although they'd probably be deputised as temporay federal agents. Officers are assigned to federal task forces all the time.

I'm sure if the IRS wanted assistance kicking in a door to arrest someone for tax evaison we would help them out. Of course it would never happen here as nobody pays taxes, they just collect yours and mine through welfare and section 8.

[Woofdog]

I can imagine all those Democrats bringing their pot to Denver, and getting busted by the feds...

[10-31Mike]

We dealt with this exact issue at the last station I worked......

We were PROHIBITED from assisting DEA on their warrants except to assist on the outside containment, and with crowd control if needed.

Is that based on Department policy or law? Or were they getting you into questionable stuff and you didn't want to get left holding the bag?

[LA DEP]

Is that based on Department policy or law? Or were they getting you into questionable stuff and you didn't want to get left holding the bag?

The station is a 'contract city' that LASD provides services to....one of around 35-40........the city made a MAJOR scene about us helping out on pretty much any MJ enforcement........and since it is a $12 million dollar per year contract.........there is just a BIT of politics going on.....CA also is a medical MJ state

[Monkeybomb]

Marihuana is still illegal by state law in Colorado. (unless medical). Anything in the quantities that the feds would be intereted is illegal. Even in Denver. And you bet Denver would assist or lead the case.