Beginning October 1, police in Dallas will issue tickets to people found in possession of less than four ounces of marijuana rather than make an arrest.

As reported by Dallas' KTVT-TV, the "cite and release" policy was approved by the Dallas City Council Wednesday. Offenders 17 and older with a valid ID and no prior convictions will be issued a ticket and be required to provide a thumbprint.

Officials hope the policy will reduce jail time for nonviolent offenders, cut down processing time for such suspects, and allow for better response time from officers called to other emergencies.

Last month, a Texas Criminal Jurisprudence Committee considered House Bill 81, which would have implemented a similar policy statewide. The bill was approved by the committee Wednesday, but it remains unclear if it will be voted upon by the House.

What do you think of Dallas' policy?

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