Quote:
Originally Posted by Shawnski
Did the lawmakers intend to expend resources for a 50 cent smoke?
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I have no idea but the laws exists for some sort of reason, antiquated or not. Even in most police acts, police officers can be found in neglect for failing to arrest someone after an offense occurs.
In Alberta:
Quote:
38(1)Every police officer is a peace officer and has the authority, responsibility and duty
(a) to perform all duties that are necessary
(i) to carry out the police officer’s functions as a peace officer,
(ii) to encourage and assist the community in preventing crime,
(iii) to encourage and foster a co-operative relationship between the police service and the members of the community, and
(iv) to apprehend persons who may lawfully be taken into custody,
and (b) to execute all warrants and perform all related duties and
services.
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http://www.qp.alberta.ca/documents/Acts/P17.pdf
I agree arresting someone for selling illegal smokes may sound ridiculous, however, the simple fact that they were arresting this male isn't the story. If the legal grounds existed and they were bounded to do so, the issue comes to the use of force applied during the arrest.