Release Date:  21-May-2008

Drug testing of offenders and encouraging them to seek treatment is having a significant effect on drug misuse in the city, it has been revealed.

Under powers awarded by the Government, police in Bristol are allowed to test people caught carrying out drug-related offences such as acquisitive crime and require them to talk to a drugs worker. The city is the only one in the South West designated an ‘Intensive’ area which attracts these powers.

Traditionally, people with a drugs problem have been able to voluntarily seek help through a range of services provided under the auspices of the Safer Bristol Partnership. However, the recently introduced requirement that people entering the criminal justice system be tested and interviewed by a drugs worker is aimed at breaking the cycle of offending by people who carry out crimes such as robbery and burglary in order to feed their drugs habit.

On average, around 450 people are arrested in Bristol every month. Of those arrested, around half subsequently tested positive for cocaine or opiates.

Councillor Derek Pickup, Executive Member for Care, Tackling Deprivation and Crime, said: “Being arrested and required to confront their drugs misuse with a qualified drugs worker can prove to be a turning point for an offender and the first step on the road to recovery and the rebuilding their life.

“The evidence since the introduction of new powers by the Government shows that helping people into treatment has a big impact on drug-related crime such as robbery and burglary by breaking the cycle of behaviour.

“Bristol has developed a high-profile nationally for its success in helping people with drug misuse problems intro treatment and on to recovery. The key to our success has been the close partnership working between agencies such as the council, police, probation service and health authorities.”

Detective superintendent Trevor Margenout said: "We fully support and welcome these powers and see them as very supportive in breaking the cycle of offending.

"Detailed studies have shown that over time this type of support reduces offending by more than 25 per cent.

"This latest announcement not only has to be good news for those individuals who are dependant on drugs but also will be welcomed by the community at large."

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