NYPD Will Stop Pot Arrests

The nation's largest police force announced a new policy on Monday that allows cops to issue a summonses instead of arresting people for low-level possession of marijuana. The NYPD's change, which will take effect November 19, will affect those caught with less than 25 grams of marijuana on them—but those smoking or burning the drug are still subject to arrest. New York mayor Bill De Blasio said this is part of an effort toward "building a closer relationship" between police and the public. Last year, blacks and Hispanics comprised 86 percent of low-level marijuana arrests in the city.