Addiction and substance misuse

Drugs, alcohol, and gambling are significant drivers of crime, cause preventable deaths and devastate families across the UK. Tackling addiction and substance misuse is key to PCCs, and other policing governance bodies, in their role in preventing crime and creating safer communities.

How PCCs are taking action

Tackling illegal drugs

Nearly half of all homicides and acquisitive crimes are linked to drug use. PCCs are making a difference by:

• Enforcing the law to disrupt drug supply chains
• Expanding access to treatment for drug-dependent offenders
• Changing societal attitudes to reduce demand for drugs

PCCs have been instrumental in:

• Closing county lines operations that exploit vulnerable individuals
• Expanding distribution of naloxone – a life-saving drug used to counter opioid overdoses, now carried by most police officers
• Integrating enforcement and treatment efforts – ensuring that when drug supply is disrupted, treatment services are ready to step in and engage individuals in recovery
• Strengthening links between prison treatment programmes and community services –  ensuring continuity of care for those re-entering society

Addressing gambling-related harm

Gambling addiction remains a silent but severe driver of financial crime, fraud, and theft. There are high rates of gambling addiction among prisoners. The APCC is committed to reducing gambling-related harm by:

• Co-chairing the Gambling Taskforce – bringing together national policing and justice organisations to raise awareness and implement solutions
• Encouraging PCCs to integrate gambling harm strategies – identifying, preventing, and supporting those at risk
• Providing the Gambling Checklist and Gambling Charter – guiding PCCs in proactive policymaking

Reducing alcohol-related crime

Alcohol fuels crime and anti-social behaviour, particularly in the night time economy and domestic settings. Alcohol is a major factor in 53% of violent crime incidents. PCCs are key players in addressing these harms through:

• Local Combating Drugs Partnerships (LCDPs) that address interactions between alcohol and illegal drug use
• Local Criminal Justice Boards (LCJBs), focusing on integrated approaches to alcohol-related crime
• Engaging businesses and licensees in crime prevention through initiatives such as:
  • LSAVI (Licensing Security and Vulnerability Initiative) – a self-assessment tool designed to help licensed premises provide a safer and more secure environment for their staff, customers and local communities
  • Purple Flag accreditation for safer nightlife zones
  • Considering the application of Late-Night Levies, where appropriate, to fund crime prevention efforts
• Providing the Alcohol-Related Harms Checklist – helping PCCs assess gaps and opportunities in tackling alcohol-related crime

Stronger together: collaborative approaches

PCCs are uniquely positioned to bring together local partnerships to drive meaningful change:

• Many lead their Local Combating Drugs Partnerships (LCDPs) , or Area Planning Boards in Wales
• Most chair Local Criminal Justice Boards (LCJBs)
• All have strong ties with Community Safety Partnerships (CSPs), third sector organisations, and individuals with lived experience

By working together, we can disrupt crime, reduce addiction-related harm, and create safer, healthier communities across the UK.

Portfolio leads