The Chief Constable has commented again on how much time his officers spend on cannabis offences.

Gary Roberts writes about the topic in his annual report.

He describes cannabis as ’ubiquitous’, equating to 10% of all recorded crime in the island over the past year.

’Its status is a matter for politicians,’ he writes. ’But I am encouraged by the beginning of a debate about its uses, abuses and law.’

In June, the Manx Independent’s front page concentrated on the issue.

Home Affairs Minister Bill Malarkey MHK said that he thought dealing with cannabis issues was a waste of time.

Elsewhere in his report, which will be laid before Tynwald next month, Mr Roberts says the police are beginning a programme of modernisation.

He says that adapting to changes in the police’s financial situation over recent years has led to a ’20th century approach to 21st century problems’.

’In the year ahead, we will start on a highly significant modernisation of what we do,’ Mr Roberts says.

’We will attempt to produce a policing blueprint that is fit for the 21st century and which will combine placing trusted and visible officers into local communities, with different ways of tackling community problems.’

He adds: ’Joined-up local services targeting those most at risk is the best - and perhaps only - way we can maintain our quality of life. This is the future of neighbourhood policing.’

The report, which is a statutory obligation contained under the Policing Act 1993, highlights the issues and demands being placed on officers and staff over the past 12 months, one of which is cannabis.

Issues around cybercrime and the use of technology to commit crime are ’complex and fast-changing’, requiring specialist skills. Combatting financial crime, meanwhile, is a challenge which is being addressed by working closely with Treasury to support an ’imbalance that has long existed between growing financial crime and available resources’.

Dr Alex Allinson MHK, a member of the Department of Home Affairs, said: ’I thank the Chief Constable for his annual report and look forward to discussing many of the issues it raises, including how best the department can provide support.

’I acknowledge the transformational work being undertaken in the area of digital policing and how technological developments can lead to significant challenges.

’Looking ahead, full support will be given to the constabulary as it continues to work towards meeting issues faced by modern-day police forces.’