Poll backs Paddick drugs policy

The controversial police experiment to soften the law on cannabis possession is given overwhelming public support today.

More than eight out of 10 Lambeth residents back the police decision to let off people caught with the drug with confiscation and a verbal warning, a MORI survey reveals.

The study, for the Police Foundation charity, shows that 83per cent support the "no arrest" scheme pioneered by controversial police commander Brian Paddick while only eight per cent disapprove.

The national picture is almost as overwhelming with 76 per cent supporting the softer approach.

The findings will send a strong signal to the Government that public opinion is ready for a significant shift in the law on the drug. Home Secretary David Blunkett has already showed his intention to downgrade cannabis from class B, one rung below heroin and crack cocaine, to class C alongside steroids and sleeping pills.

Today's survey shows there is no majority support in Britain for legalising cannabis, with more than half believing its use leads to trying harder drugs.

But it indicates that people are ready to see police take a more pragmatic approach to those caught with small amounts of the drug - especially where they are told that time saved by police will be spent dealing with hard drugs and more serious crime.

The survey of 2,055 adults in Lambeth was conducted in November and December last year as the six-month trial came to an end. But today's findings will be seen as a strong message of support for Commander