Police as a whole do not have to agree in order for some police to make that claim. In English, we often leave out the word "some", because we recognize that referring to a group of people very rarely includes the entire group.
I agree that this article's claim really should be backed by a source.
Thank you. I find it odd that articles like this and many others go with "the local residents" line.
Unnamed sources have been used since forever by journalists to create stronger articles, but I disagree with their use entirely. If you're going to quote someone, quote them. Don't tell me "local residents", or "local police" think this or that. It seems like a journalistic writing tactic that blurs the truth more than it clarifies.
Also, I suspect you misunderstood the article somewhat?
The increase in drug use that's being described happened in the last 3-4 years. The decriminalisation policy is from 2001. So the increase is not connected to the policy, thus the police is not asking for a repeal of it.
The increase in drug use and decriminalisation are not related, basically. So the sentence you quoted, I don't see how that is a request from the police for a review.
