A message from FPCA's President, Chief Richard M. Beary:

FLORIDA SAYS NO TO "MEDICAL" MARIJUANA

October 1, 1998

Proponents of a "medical" marijuana constitutional amendment in our state were unable to garner the support necessary for this initiative to appear on the November ballot. Our organized approach to this threat, along with our partnerships with educational, business, treatment, and medical groups has created a model for other states to follow. Our Association was the first to organize opposition to legalization. Past Presidents Berger and Gabbard deserve credit for their vision and action on this issue. Every chief of police who took a public stand against legalization should be proud of this major accomplishment. While we were successful, we will continue to monitor this disturbing trend as it moves across our nation.

This year's IACP Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah, is now a short time away. I hope you will be able to take advantage of this training opportunity. While at the conference, please remember to VOTE! At our summer conference our membership voted to endorse Chief Joseph Estey of the Hartford, Vermont, Police Department for sixth vice president. Voting will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, October 20th. Your vote is important to the continued success of the IACP.

In closing, I hope to see as many Florida chiefs as possible in Salt Lake City. Our annual breakfast meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 20th. I look forward to providing you a brief update on important issues involving our Association while enjoying the cool Utah weather!