Subject: Anchorage crime after 1990
Sent: 1/22/97 10:11 AM
Received: 1/30/97 5:49 PM
From: ERIC E. SKIDMORE, 104413.3573@compuserve.com
To: Karpinski, Len, anc4hemp@alaska.net

** WEB ** Miscellany

This report was faxed to and read on the Dr. Dean Edell Radio Show a few
years ago...(1993). I've edited it slightly. It was orignally a letter
sent to Dr. Elders when She called for a study on legalizing drugs.

Alaska is the only state in the union that by a court order in the interest
of privacy allows the licit use of marijuana [in the home]. This continued
for 15 years from 1975 to 1990.

An election by a simple majority in November of 1990, placed marijuana back
in the illegal status to possess.

An interesting turn of events happened. About 1/2 of the Alaska population
reside in the largest city, Anchorage. According to the study "Anchorage
Indicators" violent crimes rose 40% and property crimes were up 24% as
adjusted on a per capita basis from 1990-1992. [two years] ("Anchorage
Indicators, page VI-24...Sources: Crime data from Anchorage Police
Department.) Murder rose 150%. Rape rose 30%.

The Police force increased by 8%

"It would be hypocritical to criminalize the use of marijuana while legally
sanctioning the use of alcohol."
Former Alaska Governor Jay Hammond, 1975.

INDEX HOME