As the special election on State Question 820 approaches, Poteau Police Chief Stephen Fruen is warning of the potential impact the passage of the measure could have on the city. SQ 820 would legalize recreational marijuana in Oklahoma, and Chief Fruen is concerned about the consequences it could have for public safety. <\/p>\n
In a statement released last week, Chief Fruen said that while he respects the right of citizens to vote on SQ 820, he believes that the passage of the measure would have a negative impact on public safety in Poteau. He noted that the city already has a problem with drug-related crime, and that legalizing recreational marijuana would only exacerbate this issue. <\/p>\n
Chief Fruen also expressed concern about the potential for impaired driving due to marijuana use. He noted that marijuana can impair a person\u2019s ability to drive safely, and that this could lead to an increase in traffic accidents and fatalities. He also pointed out that marijuana use can lead to other dangerous behaviors, such as impaired judgment and decision-making, which could put citizens at risk. <\/p>\n
Finally, Chief Fruen warned that legalizing recreational marijuana could lead to an increase in drug-related crime. He noted that while some people may use the drug responsibly, there will always be those who abuse it or use it to commit criminal acts. He believes that this could put a strain on police resources and potentially lead to an increase in crime in Poteau. <\/p>\n
The special election on SQ 820 will take place on Tuesday, June 30th. Chief Fruen is urging citizens to consider the potential impact of the measure before casting their vote. He believes that the passage of SQ 820 could have a negative impact on public safety in Poteau, and he wants citizens to be aware of this before making their decision at the polls.<\/p>\n