Common sense is a prerequisite for serving in Alaska law enforcement.

Alaska likes to see it, and in most cases does. But, apparently, not in all cases. Or potentially not in all cases.

The Alaska Police Standards Council received word of police officers thinking about moonlighting with marijuana shops and cultivation facilities.

The council’s guidance was sought by its executive director.

This became an issue only because marijuana shops started opening in October after a November 2014 election in which voters passed an initiative legalizing commercial marijuana.

But the marijuana industry is off limits to Alaska’s law enforcement, according to the council that oversees police.

All marijuana conduct is incompatible with the law enforcement profession, the council has clarified. Alaska statute prohibits law enforcement from using, possessing, transporting and/or manufacturing marijuana.

Alaska officers also are expected to follow the law, and federal law regards marijuana as an illegal controlled substance.

When a new business opportunity opens up, it isn’t unusual for people to consider it as a way of making a living. Police officers, too, but if they’re serious about their current profession it seems unlikely they would seriously consider delving into the marijuana industry.

They are asked to deal too frequently with the consequences of drug abuse.

— Ketchikan Daily News,

May 22