Drug referral scheme extended to alcohol abuse
A scheme that tests offenders for drug use on arrest is to be extended to include those who abuse alcohol, the Home Office announced this month.
A scheme that tests offenders for drug use on arrest is to be extended to include those who abuse alcohol, the Home Office announced this month.
The Criminal Justice Interventions Programme (CJIP) currently targets Class A drug-using offenders who have been arrested. Those who test positive are referred to specialist workers who guide them through treatment.
Home Secretary David Blunkett told a conference organised by the Turning Point charity this month that the scheme will now be expanded to include offenders who also misuse alcohol.
He said: “The key to reducing crime still further is to focus more intensively on the individuals whose addiction to drugs and drink leads them to commit offences.
According to the Home Offices updated drug strategy, published in 2003, heroin, crack and cocaine misusers are responsible for 50 per cent of volume crimes. Three-quarters of crack and heroin users claim to be committing crime to feed their habit.
Mr Blunkett said volume crime had fallen significantly. “To maintain this progress, we need to get more drug and alcohol-reliant criminals into treatment.”
The CJIP was launched in April 2003 in 30 areas which showed the highest levels of acquisitive crime such as theft, burglary, car crime and shoplifting. In April this year, it was extended to include another 36 BCU command areas.
The programme includes drug arrest referrals, drug testing and treatment orders as well as follow-on care. Research has shown that referring offenders for treatment in this way can cut crime if they complete the programme.
Mr Blunkett also announced at the conference a six-week countrywide campaign on underage drinking. ACPO and the Police Standards Unit will co-ordinate the initiative, which starts this month.
Mr Blunkett said the operation was in response to alcohol-fuelled disorder, which he said would no longer be tolerated.
The latest move is part of the Governments Alcohol Harm Reduction Strategy, published earlier this year, which is aimed at reducing alcohol disorder in town and city centres by treating alcohol abusers and promoting greater responsibility in the drinks industry.