News 12's Most-Viewed: #11 - NYPD to no longer make arrests for public pot smoking

News 12 Digital is highlighting the most-viewed stories of 2018 as part of our 'News 12's Most-Viewed' series. This story about the NYPD’s handling of marijuana incidents was originally posted on Aug. 31. Original story below.
The NYPD will no longer make arrests for smoking marijuana in public.
New Yorkers with no prior record will face a summons, which will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
This does not mean police will stop arrests for pot possession entirely -- they'll still be making arrests for marijuana smokers who are driving under the influence, who have active warrants, are on parole or probation or are considered violent offenders.
The changes come as City Hall and the NYPD face accusations of racial bias in marijuana-related arrests.
City officials expect about 10,000 fewer arrests will be made per year after the changes.