The police chief and city attorney shall make the investigation, arrest, and prosecution of cannabis (a/k/a "marijuana") offenses the lowest enforcement priority, as this term may be defined in their policies and procedures manuals, for adult personal use.
(Initiative 1, 2011-11-08)
A. 
It is unlawful for any person to loiter in or near any thoroughfare, place open to the public, or near any public or private place in a manner and under circumstances manifesting the intent to engage in drug-related activity contrary to any of the provisions of Chapters 69.41, 69.50, or 69.52 RCW.
B. 
Among the circumstances which may be considered in determining whether such intent is manifested are:
1. 
Such person is a known unlawful drug user, possessor, or seller. For purposes of this chapter, a "known unlawful drug user, possessor, or seller" is a person who has been convicted in any court within this state of any violation involving the use, possession, or sale of any of the substances referred to in Chapters 69.41, 69.50, and 69.52 RCW, or substantially similar laws of any political subdivision of this state or of any other state; or a person who displays physical characteristics of drug intoxication or usage, such as "needle tracks"; or a person who possesses drug paraphernalia as defined in Section 8.29 of the Official Code of the City of Tacoma;
2. 
Such person is currently subject to an order prohibiting his/her presence in a high drug activity geographic area;
3. 
Such person behaves in such a manner as to raise a reasonable suspicion that he or she is about to engage in or is then engaged in an unlawful drug-related activity, including by way of example only, such person acting as a "lookout";
4. 
Such person is physically identified by the officer as a member of a "gang," or association which has as its purpose illegal drug activity;
5. 
Such person transfers small objects or packages for currency in a furtive fashion;
6. 
Such person takes flight upon the appearance of a police officer;
7. 
Such person manifestly endeavors to conceal himself or herself or any object which reasonably could be involved in an unlawful drug-related activity;
8. 
The area involved is by public repute known to be an area of unlawful drug use and trafficking;
9. 
The premises involved are known to have been reported to law enforcement as a place suspected of drug activity pursuant to Chapter 69.52 RCW;
10. 
Any vehicle involved is registered to a known unlawful drug user, possessor, or seller, or a person for whom there is an outstanding warrant for a crime involving drug-related activity.
(Ord. 24167 § 1, 1988-08-16; Ord. 26044 § 1, 1997-03-11)
The provisions of this chapter are intended as cumulative and selective, and shall not repeal any other ordinance involving the same subject matter.
(Ord. 24167 § 1, 1988-08-16)
If any provision of this chapter is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect any other provision, or the application thereof, which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this chapter are declared to be severable.
(Ord. 24167 § 1, 1988-08-16)
Any person who violates the provisions of this chapter is guilty of a gross misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be imprisoned for up to one year and be subject to a fine of not more than $5,000.00.
(Ord. 24167 § 1, 1988-08-16; Ord. 26044 § 2, 1997-03-11)