Epping officer suspended, alleges harassment

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Stephen A., Manchester,

Let's start getting rid of your "creeping rot" by illegalizing one of the worst creeping rots known to man (proven time and again to be FAR more dangerous and addictive than marijuana) : alcohol.

Love the ol' "pot and the kettle" thing.
- Tim K, Jaffrey

A police officer who supports the legalization and popularization of a mind-altering drug that severely impairs the judgment of the user on the very first puff is a disgrace and it's time the people of this state stand up and say so.

Silence to this radical legalization agenda is CONSENT to it happening in YOUR neighborhood. Citizens should stand up and fight creeping rot when it rears its head, as it has in this case.
- Stephen A., Manchester

Here is a big lesson for the town of Epping and the people of that town that will be a party in a huge law suit in the future:
Neither police officers or soldiers are required to follow any illegal order given by a supervisor.
The quoted statement said that the order given by SGT. Gallagher was an "illegal order per the other investigating supervisor.
Town of Epping please enjoy your soon to be increasing taxes.
- R, Manchester

The war on marijuana is a war on people and a war on freedoms. We have paid dearly for this with a loss of our rights. Thank goodness there are some sensible cops who will stand up for the rights of the citizenry. I applaud officer Jardis, what an incredible, brave soldier in this unjust war.

Keep going, we need you! You have all of our support!
- Jon Gettel, Tucson

So the first amendment is repealed, is that it? The scary part is that the bosses suspending him likely think of themselves as good Americans. More like KGB though.
- Dave, Keene

A police officer supporting legalization of drugs is like a schoolteacher advocating the legalization of sex between adults and students. You want neither to be employed after finding out about their "causes." The officer can do what others have done, promote the joys of being a pot head as an EX-police officer.
- James T., Manchester

I disagreee with my neighbor Matt, Epping, NH. His opinion isn't worth reading. Officer Jardis keep up the good work and you are appreciated.
- Phil, Epping, NH

Those who worry about whether Officer Jarvis would enforce drugs laws, should be aware that he has taken some heat on internet forums for saying that, yes, he would.

All police officers have discretion in what charges, if any, they will file, but Brad hasn't done that when it comes to marijuana. In the very early days of his career, though, he was forced to *stop* enforcing a certain law that was unpopular with the town and PD heirarchy.

I wonder what the "enforce the laws!" crowd would say about that.
- Kevin, Lancaster

Go Brad..The towns people of Epping support you.. The Epping force is corrupt. I live on Witham Rd in Epping and have called on many occasions about people (when I say people I mean Police Officers in Civilian clothes ), shooting high powered rifles at the rock quarry along Rte 101 behind our houses. This is extremely loud and dangerous because our kids play all around the area. The Police do nothing about it..but I see them kick everyone else out of the pits. How do they get special treatment. As I sit and write this,,they are down there, and it doesnt matter if its late night or early sat or sunday morning.. They do what they want. I am starting to write Lic plates and take pics of them entering and leaving so I can send a nice packet to The Selectmen (which wont do anything) and to the media. Maybe then they will respect our wish to go to the shooting range like all the other police in surrounding towns do. Dont get me wrong, I am an avid shooter, but I also respect where I do it. When they keep going back the next day after we call, it just shows they do what they want and dont care about the public they serve..
- Ren, Epping

As long as he has not let any of his opinions remove him from his performance as a hired officer of this town then he is doing his job.

If he went to the media incorrectly as per policy then he needs to be held to the policy.

If he tried the channel to voice a legit complaint and it was stopped, then he needs to prove a great reason for breaching employment policy.

For everyone who is trying to fire this man for his opinion, you should remove your emotion and write back when you can use logic in an argument.
- Don, Epping

@jd You don't have to smoke pot to believe that drug prohibition and the war on drugs is a losing battle. What you do need to do is research, have an open mind...and perhaps a reasonable level of intelligence. Hate to break it to you folks that think we're all a bunch of nut cases, freestaters, libertarians, and potheads (hate those labels, but you guys are the ones using them)...most of us are people JUST LIKE YOU. I applaud those brave enough - like Brad Jardis - to fight to change the marijuana prohibition laws.
- Jan Stearns, Thornton

To James T. - I am not agreeing with the officers beliefs. That being said he has the right to have those beliefs and should be able to share them without losing his job. There is no accusation that he has ever not upheld the laws and that is wrong. We still have a freedom to what we believe and it is protected by the Constitution. And this article does not paint the Officer as bad or wrong. From what I get from this article it sounds like he has been railroaded due to a differing opinion and other political bull. I think it takes allot of courage to take the administration on and fight for his job, I truly hope he wins. From all the Epping comments I have read in different articles it sounds to me like Epping agrees for the most part. We need honest officers like this. He has every right to go public and those who have done this should be ashamed, and removed if it is all true. It sounds allot like a corrupt system, lets hope it stops where it began! I for one am tired of people in power abusing it and this is exactly what this case seems to be.
- Stacey, Manchester

I am so happy to read this article.

I've watched the UL online for years as this so-called officer of the law spread his pro-pot lies and propaganda and wondered why he wasn't shut down a long time ago.

Serious police officers across the state can tell us all about the kids who wrap their cars around trees after getting stoned on nothing but pot. They can also tell you about how it causes one to grossly impair one's judgment.

This officer should be suspended permanently for trying to allow easier access to pot into neighborhoods, schools and families.

He and the other Internet-savvy Free Staters and Libertarians who haunt this board should be ashamed of themselves.
- James T., Manchester

Brad held this close to the chest for a long time before going to the media.
- Dave Ridley, Grafton, NH

I understand and respect Officer Jardis' postiton.

Who is better qualified to see what harm current laws might inflict that someone who is on the front lines of enforcing laws? Not one piece of evidence suggests that Officer Jardis has ever failed to enforce laws, including drug laws with which he may disagree. I laud him for standing up for what he believes is right and taking risk to put his name on the line for real change.

I understand his position as I work for a major biotechnology company that stood to make a LOT of money if the HR 3200 healthcare bill passed. That would likely mean more money in my pocket, both as an employee and as a stockholder. I opposed that bill, publically to obama in Portsmouth because as a citizen I evaluated it to be a terrible bill incapable of doing what obama claimed. I was ridiculed as being against healthcare reform by liberals and labeled as crazy by some coworkers for obvious reasons. The truth is I am all for REAL reform based on logical retractions of laws that currently constrain citizens. Similarly I believe Mr Jardis is all for open discussion of existing drug laws. As someone who has dedicated his life to enforcing laws, including drug laws, maybe it is high time we give him the courtesy of listening.
- Michael Layon, Derry

I do not know this officer, but after doing some reading he sounds like a very wonderful police officer. I lived in an area where the police were abusive and some downright illegal in their actions and they got away with it because of the corruption. So I know a little bit about how some things go. The fact that this officer believes something should have no reflection on his work if he follows the current laws regardless of what people think. It is wrong. I am not an advocate of legalizing anything but I see the points. We spend millions on the war on drugs and it does not dent it. As long as there is demand there will always be people to supply it. The sad part is that when arrests are made the dealers make more money because product becomes scarce, prices go up. We will never beat it the way we are trying. But I don't think there is an easy answer, but certainly they should take another look. Anyhow, it is scary that people can be fired for thier beliefs and then someone cleans up the mess and covers for the ones who are wrong. From all I have read this officer is a great one and since we pay the taxes maybe the people should be the ones who decide. I have nothing but respect for the police, but I hate this type of thing.
- Stacey, Manchetser

Police officers are protected by Amendment One of the United States Constitution.

Police officers should NOT be treated like second class citizens.

People should NOT be complaining about Officer Jardis speaking out about laws he does not like. If you do not care about freedom of speech for Officer Jardis, why should people care about freedom of speech for you?

Officer Jardis should only be punished if he is not doing his job. There is nothing wrong with police officers speaking up against stupid laws. Our country has a lot of stupid laws.
- Ken Stremsky, Manchester, NH

While I don't necessarily agree with all of his views, to say he is anything less than a person of substantial integrity.

He has never let his views influence his enforcement. To say that would just simply be incorrect.

Hopefully this issue can be settled to the benefit of everyone involved.
- Rich, Epping,NH

I know persoanlly that this officers mentality and maturity are no doubt in his way of being the best he can be. He is known for harrassing people around town businesses on breaks, illegal searches and his plain outright cocky attitude has always provoked our communication. It would be a good ridance, as I have never seen behavior like this from other officers. Frankly, it's discouraging to think of this for my childrens future. As it is we need to strengthen our community and get all the "I'll do what I want" type of people out of their positions.
- Nothing ever happens for the better anyhow, epping

I was watching MSNBC the other day and they were talking about how the CIA is buddies with Afghan Prez Karzai's brother, the biggest heroin king pin in that country. So, we are involved in a 'terror' war there yet our secret protectors are coddling a known drug dealer - and some of you are whining about a police officer calling for legalization. All this heroin drug money goes to kill our troops because the illegality allows a black market to thrive and thus gives record profits for dealers who also finance Al Qaeda. The drug war is preventing us from achieving our purposes in Afghanistan, what part don't some of you understand? I, too, am in the CJ field and think that the drug laws do more harm than good.
- Ken, Seacoast

I hope officer Jardis gets back to work. There are to many Young punk cops.
- ron, londonderry

I support Officer B. Jardis 100%. He is very courageous to be so publicly open with his views with respect to his to position in society. To all naysayers, may I suggest you do some research on the scientific facts verses old school propaganda regarding what works when we try to control substances humans use.
- JR, Manchester

Some of you people are ignorant clowns. Why do you think law enforcement, Judges and other members of law enforcement don't go public with information? It's because they can't cover up the facts that would exonerate someone. The media is the perfect place for this cronyism. If they're dirty or deceptive they don't want the publicity. If he wants to bring it out then let him. These small town cops are the worst for doing what they want, never mind the law so smarten up!
- John Gallison, Antrim

he thinks weed should be legal, but he does not smoke, his only time was by accident at a concert per one post. then why is he against the law when it comes to this drug?
- jd, raymond

I have little respect for law enforcement as a whole but support this officer for his integrity. He stated his opinion and still enforces the law. Most cops probably don't like certain laws but would not dare say anything for lack of breaking ranks. This guy has what it takes to bring respect to officers for being honest. I've seen dirty cops before and this gent isn't one of them.
- Ralph Woodbury, Greenfield

I thought pot was good for reducing anxiety.

He is a sworn police officer and took an oath to enforce and uphold the Constitution of the US and NH, and enforce the laws. Not just the laws he believes are okay.

Get out and make some changes in the laws in another venue or do your job and stay quiet.
- Melvin, Keene

I know Brad Jardis to be an honest, intelligent man and a true professional. He is a model officer. A lot of posters here are assuming that because he disagrees with drug prohibition he doesn't enforce the laws. He most assuredly does, because he takes his oath seriously.

Police officers are people, not unthinking robots! Do you really believe that every officer agrees with every single law they enforce? Come on, these men and women have opinions just like everyone esle, and Mr. Jardis is entitled to spend his off-duty time working to elect candidates and change the laws, just like everyone else.

No one should lose their job because of their political or personal beliefs. What should matter is their actual job performance, and by all accounts Mr. Jardis is a conscientious cop. It sounds to me like he was given an illegal order and then was punished for not covering it up within the department.

I wish him well. He deserves better than this.
- Keith Murphy, Manchester NH

Best of luck Brad. The Town of Epping is more corrupt then most know or want to believe. From selectmen to all divisions. If you ruffle there feathers, they will make your life miserable. I've known Officer Jarvis for a few years and I have nothing but good to say about him. As for Town officials... I have nothing to say to them. I have seen from the inside, The Epping safety complex has alot of hidden secrets. I would like to see all of them go through Drug testing and back ground checks, because the local heros who come in your house when your in need of assistance, may be the ones who need testing.
- Jay, Epping

I heard Brad Jardis testify at a legislative committee hearing in Concord relative to marijuana decriminalization. He was professional, eloquent, intelligent, and courageous. Hang in there, Brad. You have many supporters.
- Jan Stearns, Thornton

I'm totally behind Brad. He is the only good officer on the force who speaks up against the unjust war on drugs.
- Mitch, Las Vegas, NV

I for one am very upset about the way Mr. Jardis is being treated. He is one of the few cops in Epping that you can trust. I will tell you right now if he were to pull someone over and had to search them and found pot or what ever illegal things they may have on them he would follow the law and do what is expected of him. I have seen first hand just how trashy the majority of these officers are in this town. I have never had a compliant about officer Jardis he has always been there to help out the people of Epping. I agree with his involvement with the LEAP and i have stood by him 100% and I know for a fact Mr Jardis would not "save a stash for himself" for he does not use the drug nor any other for that matter. He is not a media hound he is trying to get his job back which he loves. It's not his fault the people he works with don't believe in what he does. That also does not give them the right to treat him any different because of his involvement with the LEAP. It is not that he is a "Hippie" it is that pot is a natural herb made from the ground, why is it ok to consume alcohol but not smoke a little pot. It's not like he is trying to get the state to legalize a huge amount of pot its a tiny bit that you can have on you and not be fined for it. I know you all are going to be like "oh yeah she is a hippie too" but no I am not, I do not smoke pot or take any other drugs. But here is what I am really concerned about officer Jardis is an amazing cop and he is good at his job. Maybe everyone should look deeper into the officers of Epping and see how they do their job, because I will tell you right now there are a few on that force who do not follow protocol. Now if this makes me a target in the town of Epping by these Officers then so be it seeing I am the only Desiree in town. I have done nothing wrong just giving a piece of my mind. Brad Jardis I wish you luck and I will be fighting for you all the way.
- Desiree, Epping

When will you people get it?
If our law enforcement officers are stepping up by the droves to say that going after pot is a waste of time and money, then do you think maybe they actually know what they're talking about? Many of you people need to get out of the stupid "Reefer Madness" mentality. I applaud law enforcement officers who question authority. They will not echo the favorite excuse of the Nazi SS: "I was just following orders".
- Tim K, Jaffrey

@Kathy, and everyone else.

Where are any of you reading or inferring that Jardis doesn't enforce or believe in the law?

He has an opinion as to which laws should be changed. If no one had opinions on laws we could fire all of our legislators as being obsolete.

My understanding from this and other articles that Jardis takes his ethics and his duties very seriously. This I assume includes enforcement of current drug laws.
- Dan Garthwaite, Manchester

If Officer Jardis is against laws then why is he a cop? Sure the guy has a right to free speech, but he seems too cozy in front of the media. People in Epping are right to voice their concerns. How can you have a guy take an oath to uphold the law, when he only believes in bits and pieces of it? Imagine how much of a liability he could in court if a public defender had this Officer testify about a drug related case that he was wrking on.
- Kathy S., Laconia NH

This is just what Guinta tried to do to a Manchester employee who voted for decriminalization. How do people get positions in the executive branch of the law and not understand what freedom of speech means?
- mike, manchetsre

I side with the officer on this one. He wasn't being supported by his union or his supervisor...he did what he thought he had to do. And based on the resulting inquiry, it sounds like he is right to suspect it has to do with his involvement in LEAP. Good luck to you, Mr. Jardis.
- Cheryl, Derry

From the article:
Wallace determined that Jardis was insubordinate and "acted inappropriately when Gallagher issued an illegal order and threatened him that he would go to the media even if he had no intentions."

Did Wallace actually put in the report that it _was_ an illegal order?

If so, then where is the insubordination? Jardis resorted to bringing in the media after pointing out the illegality of the order and subsequent denials by Gallagher. He has a duty to disobey illegal orders, not a duty to comply with such orders and file paperwork within three days.

There is a dark rain cloud over Epping PD. Don't go blaming the first guy that happens to notice it.
- Dan Garthwaite, Manchester

I agree that government employees should believe in any laws that the legilature passes. Dissent should never be tolerated. Heil Gallagher!
- ms, Concord

For over thirty years, Los Angeles police have not gone after illegal immigrants. Look what's happened there.

We can't let police pick and choose what laws to enforce.

Promoting illegal activity or looking the other way? Start looking for other employment.
- Bill Howard, Exeter

I've known Officer Jardis personally since the first time he testified in favor of marijuana reform back in January, 2007. Some of the comments here are absolutely off-base.

First of all, he does not smoke marijuana. He once told me his only experience inhaling marijuana smoke was when a cloud of it blew his way one time at a concert.

Also, he _does_ enforce drug laws even though he doesn't agree with them. It pains him to do so because he feels the law is immoral, but he arrests people for marijuana possession pretty frequently (or did, before he was suspended).

It's important for people to understand that LEAP is not a pro-drug organization. It is composed of law enforcement professionals (mostly retired) who oppose the War on Drugs. If you want to consider their reasons, google their website.

Whether one agrees with LEAP or not, active-duty police officers clearly have a right to express their opinions. Officer Jardis feels strongly that it is his duty to speak out, and if this is still the United States of America, he still has that right.
- Matt Simon, Manchester

Several posts have stated or inferred that Jarvis, based on his LEAP membership, could not be counted on to enforce drug laws.

I think that the opposite is true. As an open member of LEAP, his actions involving drug issues are likely scrutinized more than his peers. If he wants to retain his job, as is clearly the case, then he will likely enforce drug laws.

Additionally, I do things at work which are required of me that, based on personal principles, I would rather not do. However, I realize that these tasks are not illegal and that doing them is a required part of my job. I can imagine that Jarvis might behave the same when it comes to enforcing drug laws.
- Dan, Auburn

There is way too much money being made to ever legalize drugs...
- Jeff Macri, Lisle, IL

I watched a documentary on Cocaine last night on the History channel. Can you believe that 150,000 tons of Cocaine comes into the US every year? That's what they said.

This officer’s position on Drugs upsets law enforcement because there's money in drugs almost everywhere you look. It employs hundreds of thousands of people in this country. This is the real reason they won't legalize anything.

They know they can't stop it but there $$$ in it for almost everyone involved including the police when they confiscate large amounts of cash, they use it for police equipment etc.

The drug war was lost years ago and as long as the overwhelming demand is out there, so will be this huge amount of controlled substance.

That's the truth of the matter.

However, in a Police dept or other Law Enforcement agency one must take the party line whether he likes it or not. This officer is paying the price for exercising his right to free speech and it's only a matter of time till he's unemployed.

I hope he knows that
- BA, Derry

I'm glad to know there are peace officers out there like Mr. Jardis that are willing to put their career on the line to stand up for what he believes in.

It's a sad day when people are persecuted for being principled and having an opinion, even if their position is an unpopular one.

Many in law enforcement recognize the failure in the War on Drugs, yet fear the retaliatory actions of their colleagues and superiors for speaking out. Mr. Jardis shows courage by taking this stance.

I support you Brad, and hope you receive a favorable ruling at your hearing.
- Mike Tiner, Manchester

I am the wife of a former NYPD and I do not like what I've been hearing the small police departments up here in NH. After reading about the mistreatment of Officer DeFina in Hooksett and now Officer Jardis in Epping, I think another concern needs to be raised. These small town departments are clearly corrupt and abusive toward any employee that speaks about it.

As far as I can tell, Jardis has done nothing wrong in his job as a police officer. He has been brave enough to speak about his politcal views and challenge his superiors about unfair treatment. Until Jardis actually does something wrong on the job, leave the guy alone.

More officers should speak out about the mistreatment they experience due to small town politics. Unfortunately, they run the risk of being fired for doing so and being replaced by some guy who can keep his mouth shut and adhere to the strict police hierarchy like a good little chronie. This needs to stop.

Many people are supporting you, Bradley Jardis.
- Monica, Manchester

Deb:

The drug cartels exist, are wealthy, and are dangerous precisely because their business is illegal. If something is desired and prohibited, the price of it is inflated (prohibition premium). There aren't tobacco or alcohol cartels, just companies. To argue that we should keep drugs illegal as a measure against the drug cartels is like saying we should eliminate doctors so people won't get sick.
- Foob R. Mann, Auburn, AL

The article seems fair based on available information but the nature of the initial harassment still needs to be explained before judgment can be passed on this. At this point the "insubordination" isn't clear--if it is refusal to quit LEAP or any other political group that led to the harassment, then I think Jardis has a case.
- Zak Johnson, Derry

The comments of many that one can not do their job while holding beliefs outside of the scope of current rules is a bit silly. Politicians do it every day, and many polls have shown that numerous soldiers in Iraq and Afganistan do not support the war. Does that mean they do not fight hard and follow orders - absolutely not. The officer is entitled to have beliefs that laws should be changed, whatever they may be, as long as he continues to support the laws on the books.

The issue of if he has acted inappropriately and/or if he is a good police officer is the real issue. And I do not know enough to have an opinion. But, he does have a right, even as his own Chief seems to have referenced, to beliefs that may contradict the current rules.
- Steve, Portsmouth, but originally from Epping

Wow. Whatever happened to freedom of thought and freedom of speech? As long as Jardis does his lobbying off duty and keeps it legal, he should be left alone. Honestly, you people are more repressive than the Taliban.
- Scott, Merrimack

theres a couple of ways you could look at this.while i agree this officer has the freedom to say as he believes.. and i also think marijuana should be decriminalized.myself.anyone pulled over for speeding is going to have a hard time taking it serious when cheech n chong are writing the ticket ...
- steve, allenstown

PS to Deb, with whom I agree so often I was lumped in with her yesterday without writing a single message here--It's hard to know how to read your second paragraph. Are you willing to discard your usual concern for Constitutional due process on the basis that bad guys (including cartels of murderers) might benefit? Isn't this a major breach in the model of principled, limited government?

Kevin of Lancaster was incisive in noting that a past generation believed it had a duty to amend the Constitution to authorize prohibition, while our generation feels no similar duty regarding the "war" on drugs (nor on the soon-to-be crime of failing to buy an insurance policy).
- Spike, Brentwood NH

The law is the law, if he (as a an Officer) does not believe in the laws then he will not enforce them. Too many people are drinking the kool aid that kevin in Lancaster is handing out!
- Gregg, Seacoast

Officer Jarvis is being persecuted for his beliefs, plain and simple. Go ahead and disagree with his position, but the first amendment guarantees us the right to speak our minds. So long as his job performance was satisfactory, the department has absolutely no right to restrict his speech.

Good luck Officer Jarvis, we're supporting you the whole way!
- Rhayader, Carrboro, NC

This type of stuff goes on in police departments in NH all the time. My good friend is an cop and complains about it often. If an officer dares to speak out about wrongdoing in police departments, they get fired or harassed and then good luck finding another job somewhere else. These guys all stick together and protect the status quo, even if it is wrong. Unprofessional police department conduct, including covering up officers' drunk driving, affairs, illegal payroll practices, female officer harassment, illegal pensions for non-certified officers, and illegal and unethical hiring practices (not just nepotism) are all the norm in police departments in NH, unfortunately.
- Laura, Atkinson

Law enforcement officials must believe in and support the laws they're charged with enforcing. Just imagine an EPA inspector who doesn't support the clean air policies. If this guy doesn't support the current drug laws, he shouldn't be a cop - period.
- Brian, Farmington

LEAP has it right. The "war on drugs" is immoral, expensive, dangerous, and ineffective at achieving its stated goals. Many police officers agree, but won't state so publicly, precisely due to this type of blackballing. Kudos to Jardis for speaking out.
- R.P., Kingston

I agree with Howard Marks comment. These cops who support legalization are tyrants. They are really cowards who attack those who dissagree with them. Police need to uphold the law.
- Lenny, Epping

Union Leader readers: I respect all of your opinions, even those that cast me in a negative light. To those who have offered me support and kind words, my deepest thanks.

To those of you who have questions, who have commented negatively, and especially those whom I work for who reside in Epping: I'd encourage you to email me at bjardis@gmail.com. I'd even be willing to come meet with you and discuss the entire situation. It is important to me that you know the truth.

I'd be happy to provide you with much more information about this case that the UL did not have room to place here. If you still believe that I am out of line to have chosen to make this matter public I'd be very surprised.

I would like to state for the record that I provided the UL with the background investigation report that the Lieutenant completed, once I obtained it from my attorney. I also provided written authorization for the UL to have unfettered access to my personnel file. I'll even make the entire file public open to public inspection for anyone who has questions about my abilities to perform as a law enforcement officer.

I think it is of the utmost importance for those who serve to have the ability to participate in the political process. Those who serve on the front lines are the ones who best can identify a problem that needs to be fixed. I didn't join LEAP to make money. I joined LEAP because of a deep belief that ending drug prohibition will make our communities far safer.

One does not give up their rights as an American simply because they choose a career in law enforcement.
- Bradley Jardis, Hooksett, NH

Deb - The US Constitution is not valid in Mexico. Good try, though.

I'm amazed at the comments on this board. Does a police officer give up his freedom of speech when he graduates the police academy? Can he not have an opinion on the ramifications of drug prohibition? I hope for him to retain the strength and resolve to weather the comments like these seen here - so that we can have an honest and effectual debate on the merits of drug prohibition. Whatever your biases on the character of pot smokers, one cannot ignore the facts. POT has killed 0 people!!!! Billions are used federally to prosecute the use of a plant indigenous to our country, we put the cartels in power through our prohibitionist policies. It's time to wake up.
Good job Officer Jarvis...I wish there were more police officers who were speaking the truth while on active duty! Keep up the good work.
- Danielle, Richmond, Va

I read in another article about the harassment he received at work as well as a cartoon that had been put on his locker, why was that not in this article? Harassment is wrong in any job.
- Joanne, Epping

Smoking pot can cause paranoia.. Is that why the officer is anxious?
- Jim, Dover

Officer Jardis is doing the right thing by sticking up for himself. It is hard to do the right thing, especially in a small town where town politics have such a large role. I wish Officer Jardis the best of luck. He has protected and served the community of epping for a long time and deserves the towns support! At the end of the day he was given an illegal order and that is wrong. Keep your chin up Officer Jardis.
- Joanne, Epping

You may believe in the agenda of LEAP, but this officer's actions in the face of controversy have been immature and irresponsible. No organization can function when a subordinate threatens to "go to the media" when he believes his boss has acted improperly. There are procedures in place to handle grievances; sending nasty emails and contacting reporters is not the way to go.

If this officer can't handle what's been going on without taking leave for "anxiety", sounds like he's in the wrong profession to begin with. We need police officers who are of sound mind and judgment, not weenie cry babies who think the world revolves around them.
- DL, Nashua

Serves him right. He is just another one of those fringe nut jobs from the freestaters based in Keene now that serve only yheir lazy selfish dreams of a stoned anarchist utopia. Check out their rants on ridleyreport.com and freekeene.com and get an idea of this guys associates. He should have turned in his gun and badge a long time ago if he is going to actively work against the organized society with norms and rules that he claims to protect and defend.
- John, Manchester

Jardis is a media hound. His job is to protect and uphold the law in the Town of Epping. How can he perform his job if he does not believe in the laws he is suppose to uphold. I am willing to believe when he was in his hiring interviews he did not say “I believe we should legalize drugs” He should be removed from the force.
- Larry, Epping

Jardis is a media hound. His job is to protect and uphold the law in the Town of Epping. How can he perform his job if he does not believe in the laws he is suppose to uphold. I am willing to believe when he was in his hiring interviews he did not say “I believe we should legalize drugs” He should be removed from the force.
- Matt,, Epping, NH

I have had the priviledge of working with Officer Jardis. Officer Jardis is an educated and honorable man, something most police departments should welcome. To give you an example of his courage and commitment to justice, Jardis did undercover work with police that led to the arrest and conviction of sex offenders even before he was on the force. Jardis has worked both on and off duty to help victims of sexually based offences, harassment and domestic violence. While at UNH Jardis volunteered for the sexual harassment and rape prevention crisis center and was a welcome male role model. Recently Officer Jardis made the news for going above and beyond the calle to make sure a dog was given shelter after being left outside for an extended time. Being able to stand up to a supervisor who gives you an illegal order is what is taught at the NH Police Academy, but few are brave enough to do it. Sometimes people who know their rights, scare those accustomed to violating them. Then the brotherhood of cronies move in.
- Mark, Manchester

Ethical questions come into play about this guy being able to perform his job (aka enforcing the law). As a Epping tax payer I would want to know if this officer would uphold the current laws if he pulled someone over transporting large amounts of pot. Would he arrest him, give him a pass, or worse give him a pass and keep a piece of stash for his own personal use and distribution.
- Concerned Epping Resident, Epping, NH

Thank you Bradley Jardis for your integrity! We the people need more law enforcement officers like you and less like Dodge, Gallagher and Wallace. These people, like a lot of government officials today, have forgotten who they work for. Over 60% of Americans publically polled want to see pot at very least decriminalized. Keep up the good work!
- Mike Smith, Manchester, NH

fire him!!! if he wants to be a degenerate hippie, let him. cops should be law enforcers, period! he if has a problem with the laws he is paid to enforce, then let him go!!
- fpc, bedford

Was he good at his job? I guess that is the biggest question.
- joco, manchester, NH

Citizen Jardis has an absolute right to advocate for legalization, an opinion I share. In the meantime, the police have a duty to obey the law, which they do using a military-style structure, and citizens have a right to expect that anyone in the uniform does his job uniformly, without regard to his political opinions (any more than how he might feel about particular individuals or classes). OFFICER Jardis is not entitled to put his political opinions above performance of his job while on duty. It is unreasonable to expect that opposition to some of the department's work would not attract ridicule, improper to react to ridicule or disagreement by appealing to the public, making threats to do so, or trying to rally co-workers against his superior. And I agree with the department's skepticism of his use of sick time over "anxiety."

Mr. Jardis, save Epping some legal bills. You don't want a job you have to sue to keep. I wish you total success in your work with LEAP--just not as an officer of the law.
- Spike, Brentwood NH

Just a continuation of the "Medical Marijuana" issue. As time goes on it will become ever more apparent that the "medical" aspect of the argument has nothing to do with it, people just want to get high. For the most part, who cares. But when they start wearing badges, carrying guns and driving cars at high speed with flashing lights... I'm not so sure I think regular use of pot is such a great idea. Same goes for my doctor - I really don't think I like the idea of my doctor smoking a joint to calm his nerves before he starts surgery on me. But what do I know, right? I mean, it IS just a natural plant and there should be no regulation of a natural plant, right?
As to this guys position, I agree that he can think what he likes, but in his position I don't think he can choose which laws he will enforce and which he will ignore, and his position raises strong concerns about his ability to enforce current drug laws. We need our law enforcement to enforece the laws - ALL the laws - even if they don't agree with them. When we start letting law enfoecement choose which laws should and should not be enforced we begin a slipper slope from which we will not recover, and society will deteriorate into anarchy.
- Dave, Manchester

Seeing how those who peddle drugs are often caught with illegal firearms and the drug cartels themselves aligned with gangs are some of the most violent people our police officers deal with I'm not sure I'd want this guy watching my back on a drug raid considering his views.

I love the it’s unconstitutional remarks the best. Go tell that to the people who are prisoners in their own towns in Mexico and the families who end up dead if they speak out against the drug cartels. I don't see the concern for their constitutional rights or any talk about the rights of those who don’t want drugs legalized.

The solution to this for some seems to be legalizing drugs so the cartel leaders can be legitimate members of society and most likely end up tied in to our government as if it won't lead to even more corruption than we already have to deal with. But then everyone who is stoned won't care and will vote in anyone willing to keep their habit flowing. The problem with the stoners is they want the drugs but also want no responsibility when things go bad. The rest of us can pick up the tab for them one day when they get labeled as having a disability.
- Deb, Derry

I commend this officer for staying true to his beliefs! WE need more law enforcement like this individual, by day he does his job by night he stays true to his values and morals. It's nice to see an individual, in that sort of position, not afraid to vocalise an opinion that may be unpopular.
- j, manchester

The day pot becomes leagal will be a sad day in our history. Look what drinking does to the roadways and how many people kill because of being drunk. Now you want to add pot to the mix? Come back and say how good it is when its your kid who is dead because, the one that was stoned promised to be responsible. The courts are filled with dui's and dwi's. Good old officer Bradley needs to be gone, he is an Officer that is duley swarn to up hold the law, not what he thinks is the law.
- john croteau, candia

Don't be confused here. Jaris is nothing but a cry baby and does not want to follow the rules. Since when does a patrolman of any law enforcement agency threaten to run to the media about an investigation. Since when do you make any kind of threats to your supervisor in any kind of job. THis guy is a loose cannon and either his shapes up or he ships out!
- Jeff, Manchester

If the Officer does not believe in the laws that he is sworn to uphold and enforce, then it seems like a good time to reevaluate the career that he has started with.

If I resided in that community and sought counsel by the police about concerns with a child experimenting with drugs, I would not feel comfortable receiving advice, suggestions, and recommendations from a police officer who evidently puts in efforts in his off time to decriminalize street drugs. I thought a police officer was an officer 24 hours per day. The dynamics present here are most interesting.
- PM, Milford

It would appear that Officer Jardis is correct in his thinking about decriminlizing Pot. This seems to also be this current Presidents Administration thinking too. Also it seems that if Officer Cote was the Union President he did not represent Officer Jardis properly by claiming he had violated sick leave to Managent. There actually appears to be about 3 different issues in this article. Freedom of speech, abuse of power and Union representation problems. Sounds like a lot of legal bills to me. Everyone loses in this type of situation.
- Bob Knight, Newmarket

This is a perfect example of why most LEAP speakers are "retired" or "former" law enforcement. The risks to their careers are just too great to speak out before they retire.

I wish Mr. Jardis the best of luck. There are many more active duty LEAP member cheering him on.

Drug prohibition is unconstitutional. Alcohol prohibition required passing the 18th Amendment. I can't recall an ammendment authorizing the government to outlaw natural plants.
- Kevin, Lancaster

And so the cowards find strength from the actions of tyrants...
- Howard Marks, Concord, NH