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Plans include prescribing heroin to people suffering from addiction who have not responded to other forms of treatment.

 

PCC David Jamieson

 

The government has supported a police and crime commissioner’s proposals to tackle drugs.

Responding to a question in Parliament Policing Minister Nick Hurd said he welcomed West Midlands PCC David Jamieson's focus on the issue.

Officials from the Home Office have met Mr Jamieson to discuss the recommendations in his report, including prescribing heroin to people suffering from addiction who have not responded to other forms of treatment.

Mr Hurd added: “In most parts, the local approach outlined in the police and crime commissioner’s report aligns with the government’s vision.”

Mr Jamieson has championed the benefits of Heroin Assisted Treatment and wants the benefits of Drug Consumption Rooms to be considered.

The class-A drug would be administered in a medical setting with the aim of taking the market away from organised criminals and to stop people stealing to fund their addiction.

Other proposals include a scheme to divert those suffering from addiction into treatment and away from courts as well as equipping and training officers in the application of naloxone.

The proposals, also backed by the APCC, follow a detailed report already published by the PCC on the cost of drugs in the West Midlands. It is estimated substance misuse in the West Midlands costs £1.4 billion each year.

Mr Jamieson said: “I’m delighted my common sense proposals for drug treatment reforms are gathering momentum.

“We have been losing the war on drugs for a long time, but finally it seems that positive steps are being taken.

“I look forward to working closely with the government on real changes to the way we treat drug addicts.”

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