PCC shares his plans to tackle drugs with MPs

The West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner is visiting parliament to share with MPs and PCCs his new proposals to tackle drugs.

David Jamieson’s recommendations are aimed at reducing the cost of drugs to the taxpayer, preventing crime and reducing the shocking number of deaths in the region.

In attendance at the Drugs, Alcohol and Justice Cross-Party Parliamentary Group will be a number of PCC’s from across the country including Durham PCC Ron Hogg and Debryshire PCC Hardyal Dhindsa, as well as Victoria Atkins MP,  Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Crime, Safeguarding and Vulnerability. The meeting gives the PCC an opportunity to present his proposals to MPs from all political parties, and share his ideas with other PCC’s who have been working hard to reform drug policy in the UK.

Recommendations discussed during the meeting include Heroin Assisted Treatment (HAT) and a formal scheme for diverting people away from the Criminal Justice System.

Speaking about his proposals to tackle the scourge of drugs, West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson, said:

“Despite the good work being done by many, collectively our approach to drugs is failing. Drugs are costing the West Midlands £1.4 billion each year.

“It means people are forced to live with more crime, public services are put under strain and not enough is done to reduce the suffering of those who are addicted.

“If we are to cut crime and save lives there’s one thing we can all agree on; we need fresh ideas.

“By 2020, I hope many of these proposals are in place and will be having an effect – reducing crime, but also the suffering of those addicted to drugs. These proposals will save the public sector money by reducing the strain on services that currently exist.”

Lord Ramsbotham, Co-Chair of the Drugs, Alcohol and Justice Cross-Party Parliamentary Group said:

“We have campaigned consistently for evidence-based policy and therefore welcome these recommendations as a most constructive and convincing contribution. Reducing crime and harm by diverting people with substance misuse issues away from the criminal justice system into treatment, as advocated by the West Midlands Police & Crime Commissioner, must be the correct strategy. We look forward to discussing this excellent document at our next Group Meeting.”