Identification checks on cannabis users deemed «little or ineffective» by law enforcement agencies

When it comes to law enforcement, identity checks have long been considered a cornerstone of public safety. A recent study commissioned by the Human Rights Defender, Claire Hédon, highlights a significant shift in perception among law enforcement officers. Published on February 27, the study reveals surprising findings regarding the perceived effectiveness of identity checks, particularly with regard to the crackdown on cannabis and its users.

Questioning the Effectiveness of Cannabis Law Enforcement

According to the study, a significant proportion of gendarmes and police officers doubt the effectiveness of identity checks. With nearly 47 million identity checks conducted each year in France, skepticism runs deep. The study, conducted by researchers at the Center for Sociological Research on Law and Penal Institutions (CESDIP), reveals that 39.2% of law enforcement officers consider identity checks to be «not very effective or ineffective» in ensuring national security.

Skepticism reaches its peak when it comes to targeted checks on cannabis users. In fact, 69.5% of police officers consider this method ineffective in combating cannabis use.

The study also examines attitudes toward the use of force in law enforcement. While the majority (more than 90%) condemns the use of force to extract confessions, opinions differ on the extent to which force should be tolerated. Approximately 59.8% of respondents believe that, under certain circumstances, it is acceptable to use force exceeding that permitted by law.

One of the most glaring problems highlighted by the study concerns the ongoing training of law enforcement personnel. A significant proportion of officers express concern about insufficient training, particularly in essential areas such as de-escalation of violence and citizens’ rights. Only a small minority (12% of gendarmes and 5.5% of police officers) report having received training in de-escalating violence over the past year.

The Call for Improvement

In light of these revelations, the Human Rights Defender calls on public authorities to prioritize the implementation of the recommended measures. Strengthening the initial and continuing training of police officers and gendarmes is at the top of these recommendations. The establishment of a robust system for evaluating identity checks is deemed imperative, with an emphasis on assessing their effectiveness and their impact on community relations.