Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones sets up Pan Hampshire Combating Drugs Board

AN initiative which takes a public health approach to cracking down on drug misuse linked to crime has been launched by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight police and crime commissioner.

Donna Jones has set up the Pan Hampshire Combating Drugs Board to bring together senior leaders and organisations to support the implementation of the government’s 10-year national drug strategy.

The board – the first of its kind in the Solent region – brings together partners including the police, public health, probation, the prison service and NHS England to maximise opportunities for treatment, prevention, and enforcement, with the goal to drive change.

Ms Jones said: “The issue of drugs is much bigger than simply the taking of illegal substances. Drugs are the driving force behind a lot of crimes, with half of all homicides and thefts believed to be linked to drugs.

“Drugs are often the root cause of anti-social behaviour – which as commissioner I know is an issue that many residents are concerned about. The government has also just launched its strategy to clamp down on anti-social behaviour.”

She added: “One of the plan’s commitments is banning the sale of nitrous oxide, or ‘laughing gas’ because of the links it has to young people’s health and offending behaviour.

“This is why it is vitally important that the right steps are taken to tackle the issue of drugs, including taking robust action to cut supply, treating addiction and changing attitudes towards drugs.

“In Hampshire and the Isle of Wight the police relentlessly prioritise cracking down on supply lines and exploitation, but this is only part of the solution; to truly combat the issue of drugs we also need effective treatment, rehabilitation, and education.”

The Association of Police and Crime Commissioners recently published Addictions in Focus, a report which shares how commissioners across the country are taking new approaches to tackle drug-taking, and which contributes to the government’s From Harm to Hope strategy.

One innovative approach taken in Hampshire to help those who are dependent on drugs involves substance testing on arrest.

Ms Jones explained: “We know that there is a link between drug dependency and crime. If we can help break that cycle, we can reduce crime and protect victims. The drug testing on arrest initiative supports a number of areas including identifying individuals who misuse class A drugs and commit crime to fund their habit.

“It also helps ensure people are steered out of crime and into treatment pathways at the earliest opportunity.”

Ms Jones added that Integrated Offender Management (IOM) houses, which give offenders a home as well providing them with support to stay off drugs, was also an effective way to reduce re-offending and keep communities safer.