Drug testing on arrest expanded to help cut crime
The Government is to invest more than £15 million over the next four years to expand the use of drug testing on arrest.
This will enable police to test suspects arrested for a broader range of offences and build an evidence base of the links between drugs and criminality. The aim is to help drive down demand for illegal drugs and prevent further crimes.
A total of £375,000 will be offered to police forces immediately to increase their capacity to drug test on arrest. The Government will allocate £5,000 to all 43 forces in England and Wales to invest in extra testing equipment and training for police officers and staff this year.
In addition, five forces identified by the National Police Chiefs’ Council and the Home Office will receive an additional £32,000 boost this year to increase testing for a wider range of crimes beyond the usual ‘trigger offences’ of shoplifting, burglary and robbery. This could include domestic abuse and public order offences.
The forces – City of London Police, South Yorkshire Police, West Midlands Police, Hertfordshire Constabulary and Gwent Police – were selected based on a range of factors, including current police use of drug testing upon arrest and rates of drug possession in these areas.
The Government says the long-term funding will support the recruitment of drug referral workers who work in custody suites to identify individuals who have been arrested for non-trigger offences but could benefit from testing and referral into treatment.
The latest move is part of a wider government strategy to tackle the problems associated with drug misuse.
A spokesperson said: “The Government is keen for police to expand their use of the practice to identify a greater number of drug users and to crack down on so-called recreational drug use, ensuring that those who break the law face consequences.
“Individuals who test positive for opiates or cocaine will be referred to a range of follow-up measures – including treatment and drug awareness courses – to tackle the problem at its root and reduce the prevalence of drug misuse across society.
“The Government is committed to tackling drug misuse across society and taking an end-to-end approach – going after the criminals and gangs who exploit the vulnerable, while helping those with addiction into treatment and recovery.”
Drug testing on arrest is already used by many forces. Suspects in custody, for example, are routinely tested for the presence of opiates or cocaine to help police better understand the role of drug misuse in certain crime types. Suspects in fraud offences and certain drug-related crimes, including possession and intent to supply, can also be tested.