Drug Interventions Programme: Difference between revisions

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Revision as of 16:46, 26 August 2009

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==Overview==

The Drug Interventions Programme (DIP) is the key [[criminalcrime justice]]reduction agencyinitiative involved in engaging substance misusing offenders in drug treatment. It does this through a variety of methods, some [[coercive]], such as the Tough Choices program, and some by more traditional means. Class A drug-misusing offenders are identified on their journey through the CJS and steered towards treatment and wraparound support. Its key partners include [[police]], the probation service, prisons, courts and other criminal justice agencies, as well as the [[National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse|National Treatment Agency]] and the [[Department of Health (United Kingdom)|Department of Health]]<ref>{{cite web

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| accessdate = }}</ref>. It has been shown to be effective in its aims; since 2003, acquisitive crime (which is largely attributed to substance misuse) has fallen by a32 fifthper cent in theEngland and UKWales. In areas with more intensive DIP activity, early evaluation showed crime falling faster in those areas than areas with less intensive DIPs<ref>{{cite web

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==Tough Choices==

In December 2005, aspects of the Drugs Act 2005 were piolatedpilotated at various DIPs around the country. Under the heading "Tough Choices", this included a "[[drug test|Test on Arrest]]" procedure, a "Required Assessment" process and an extension of the "Restrictions on Bail" scheme, which was legislated for under Section 19 of the [[Criminal Justice Act 2003]]. InSince April 2006, the Tough Choices programhas wasbeen implementedphased nationin across England and wideWales.

===Test on Arrest===

Under the [[Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984]](PACE), it had been possible for police to drug test Detained Prisoners since 1984. The Drugs Act 2005 introduced, at selected "intensive DIP area" police stations, a mandatory drug test for every individual who had been arrested for a specified list of "trigger offences"; offences which had been shown to have a clear link to substance misuse, such as [[Theft]]. Individuals who refused to take this test, a "non-intimate saliva sample", could face up to three months in [[custody]] and a £2,500 [[Fine (penalty)|fine]]. Individuals who tested positive were then compelled to undergo a two-part "Required Assessment" with a drug worker from their local DIP.

===Required Assessment===

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===Restrictions on Bail===

Restrictions on Bail had been introduced under the [[Criminal Justice Act 2003]]. This piece of [[legislation]] amended the [[Bail Act 1976]] by reversing the presumption of [[bail]] to anyone who had tested positive to a class A drug, unless they agreed to undergo assessment and treatment with their local DIP for the duration of their court bail. This effectively obliged courts to implement a bail condition compelling such persons to attend their local DIP. The stated aim of this was to "prevent offending on bail". Failure to abide by this condition could result in the denial of further court [[bail]]. Restrictions on Bail hadwas beeninitially piolatedpiloted in several areas for over a year,number beforeof theareas restbut ofnow theoperates Toughacross ChoicesEngland program wasand implemented.Wales

===Non-Intensive DIPs===

All "Drug and Alcohol Action Team" (DAAT) areas in the UK had created a DIP prior to the introduction of Tough Choices. Some of these DIPs, where the drug-related problemcrime was perceived to be lower, were labelled "Non-Intensive". Non-Intensive areas were different in one way - local police stations would not drug test. However, a Required Assessment and a Restrictions on Bail condition could still be given to people from these areas.

==Prolific and Other Priority Offenders Scheme and DIP==