Intervention programme shows promising results

Preliminary research into a drugs programme operating in south Birmingham has shown an approximate 40 per cent reduction in the number of adults arrested following drug intervention.
Inspector Debbie Walker, the Drugs Intervention Programme (DIP) Project Manager at West Midlands Police, carried out the research over an 18 month period on two operational command units - Bournville Lane and Kings Heath.
During that period, over 250 adults who were arrested for offences were referred to the DIP scheme - providing them with vital help and assistance, including a range of services such as prescribing methadone, counselling, re-housing and detox treatment.
"Although it is impossible to say the drop in offending and people arrested are a direct result of the treatment they received, it is likely there is some correlation and demonstrates how beneficial targeted drug treatment can be," said Insp Walker.
The Drug Interventions Programme was launched in the West Midlands in April 2004. The scheme now involves mandatory drug testing on arrest for a number of offences. Once someone tests positive they have to undergo a drug assessment of need with an arrest referral worker, who is based within police cells.
On average, 2500 people are drug tested every month in the West Midlands - with almost 37 per cent showing a positive result. The tests are only for serious Class A drugs - heroin, crack and cocaine.
"While some offenders do not welcome referral to drugs treatment, many others have welcomed it and we have seen some excellent success stories, with previously habitual, 'career criminals' turning their life around following treatment," added Insp Walker.