APCC welcomes part two of Dame Carol Black’s review, to which PCCs submitted evidence
Part Two of Dame Carol Black's independent review for Government, setting out a way forward on drug treatment and recovery, has been published today.
The APCC’s joint leads for Alcohol and Substance Misuse, Joy Allen and David Sidwick, said: “The Association of Police and Crime Commissioners welcomes the second part of Dame Carol Black’s review to which Police and Crime Commissioners submitted evidence.
“From our work in local communities we know what a big concern drugs are to the public and how badly neighbourhoods are affected by the crime and anti-social behaviour associated with drug dealing and ‘county lines’ gangs.
“We believe that Dame Carol is right to place an emphasis on addressing the health issues related to drug taking. It’s vital that there’s investment in evidence-based treatment services and support for those recovering from addiction to help get them out of crime and into recovery.
“And it’s a priority for PCCs - we already commission alongside local partners a range of substance misuse treatment schemes delivered by specialists and fund a number of projects targeted at the most vulnerable. We have pioneered programmes to intervene early and divert people away from the criminal justice system in order to cut reoffending, reduce the number of victims and keep our communities safe.
“Drugs, however, are not just an issue for the health sector. It’s important to recognise the important role played by police forces, the National Crime Agency and Border Force in disrupting supply lines and investigating traffickers.”