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2 October 2006
Now police have can apply for intervention orders when drug abuse leads to anti-social activities.
New police powers that came into effect this week allow police to apply for orders forcing drug addicts known for their anti-social behaviour to get free drug treatment.
Police can apply for intervention orders whenever they believe that drug abuse is contributing to a person's anti-social activities, such as aggressive begging, or playing music or televisions consistently loudly, and intimidating neighbours and passers-by.
These civil orders issued by a court can compel the recipient to undergo drug treatment, or face a fine of up to £2,500.
The orders are not aimed at drug users who commit crimes, but are, instead, targeted at those who become a nuisance to those around them.
Keeping the peace
This 'tough love' approach is designed to meet two goals - ensuring a decent quality of life for the law-abiding majority, and encouraging those with drug addictions to get the help they need.
Home Office Minister Vernon Coaker said that, combined with ASBOs, these new orders 'go a long way toward tackling the root causes of misbehaviour' and creating a better atmosphere in communities.
He pointed out that the orders address not just crime, but the root causes of crime, and because of that, they're expected to be a valuable tool for police and local authorities fighting nuisance problems and petty harassment.
Serious help for drug users
Once a problem with a suspected drug user has been identified, police can apply for a drug treatment order in a magistrates or county court. The order issued will detail the activities the recipient must undertake, and the treatment they should have. Only those aged 18 and over can be issued with drug treatment order.
The new orders are part of an overall governmental strategy on drug abuse. Since 1998, the government has invested record levels of money in tackling the drug problem, and during that time the number of people entering treatment programmes has increased by 89%. There have also been record seizures of class A drugs and of drug-related assets.
