APCC Response to Government’s Drug Strategy

15/07/2017

Responding to the Government’s 2017 Drug Strategy, APCC National portfolio lead on Alcohol and Substance Misuse PCC Hardyal Dhindsa said:

“This strategy is a positive step towards addressing some significant issues with the way that we, as a society, are approaching substance misuse, and the complex harms and issues that result.

“It is pleasing to see that in this multi-pronged strategy, the Government plans to balance its efforts not just across enforcement priorities, but also by building on the types of health based approaches to substance misuse and a stronger emphasis on holistic recovery-oriented actions and wrap-around support which have been shown to work.

“In particular, it is a welcome move to see an initiative that will bring together the multitude of public services who interact with the most vulnerable in our communities under a single point of leadership. The creation of a new Drug Strategy Board will ensure that the police, working with health and community partners can help those affected to turn their lives around. The effectiveness of this new strategy will rely on this Board to ensure all relevant stakeholders are aligned and engaged.

“I recognise there will be those who don’t believe the strategy goes far enough by looking at decriminalising certain drugs, for example. But there is evidence the Government is now taking this issue much more seriously and I’d urge everyone committed to tackling the complex issues that substance misuse creates to work together.

“In our governance role for the Police Service, PCCs look forward to engagement with the Government and sector partners to play our part in the co-ordinated, partnership based approach within this vitally important area of public health and safety.

“Police and Crime Commissioners can make a crucial difference at local level by leading on partnership and collaboration initiatives and facilitating multi agency working.”

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