Scotland: Manifesto - Programme for policing 2016 - 2021

By the Scottish Police Federation

In this manifesto, the Scottish Police Federation proposes some changes in the approach to the problem of drug users. Of particular importance, the document suggests authorities should not focus law enforcement efforts on people who use drugs.

2.3 Tackling drug and alcohol misuse

Tackling drug and alcohol misuse Scotland has had a long, turbulent relationship with alcohol and drugs. But decades of arresting and prosecuting those with dependency problems has failed to tackle the root cause.

There will always be those who end up in the criminal justice system as a consequence of their actions. Where prosecutions are necessary, the punishment should be swift and decisive.

The SPF is not advocating the legalisation or decriminalising of drugs, but efforts should be better directed in trying to help those with problems overcome addictions.

Courts should be free to impose disposals that mandate participation in health and education programmes, with traditional criminal sanctions preserved for those preying on the vulnerable and peddling misery.

The SPF believes it is time to stop persecuting users and start concentrating on the dealers. Working in collaboration, the SPF believes that health, education and justice services stand a better chance of ending cycles of offending.

While intoxication is not a medical emergency, the consequences can be. Locking up drunk people in cells is no longer an acceptable way to manage that risk.

The SPF believes that safe, secure facilities should be created to manage those who present themselves as intoxicated and avoid the need to shuttle people between police cells and hospitals. Such facilities should be managed by skilled personnel from across the police, health and social care services, charities and other appropriately skilled personnel.

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