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'Addicts need treatment not more drugs' - HOPE
A TOP Notts policeman has been branded an 'idiot' by a Worksop drug expert for suggesting that addicts should receive prescription heroin.
And Deputy Chief Constable Howard Roberts was also blasted by Bassetlaw's MP and the head of the district's primary care trust for his controversial comments.
Mr Roberts – who took part in the Bassetlaw Heroin Inquiry in 2002 – told the Association of Chief Police Officers conference this week, that the scheme should be considered to cut crime.
But Sandy Smith, manager at Bassetlaw homeless charity HOPE, which deals with drug addicts on a daily basis, said the idea was 'ridiculous'.
"It is an absolutely outrageous statement to make," said Miss Smith. "What addicts need is treatment, not more drugs."
"Life might be made a bit easier for the police, but if an addict's habit is fed, they will never have any motivation to give up drugs – he is an idiot."
She added that the efforts made by local GPs in the rehabilitation of drug users is a much more valid way of dealing with the drug problem in the area.
"It has been demonstrated that the treatment works – these people go on to have lives and jobs. What this man is suggesting is to just feed the problem – that will not help anybody."
"I bet no-one would want to pay extra taxes to fund addicts getting drugs – its ridiculous."
Mr Roberts compared the cost of funding an addict's habit for a year – 12,000 – to the amount they would have to steal to pay for it themselves – 45,000.
Chris Kelly, drug interventions programme manager at Notts county drug and alcohol action team was also at the conference this week in Manchester and said the suggestions should not be viewed as a single option.
"Giving addicts diamorphine has worked in other parts of the country – but I don't think it is needed in Bassetlaw," she said.
"Mr Roberts' suggestions are valid but there is not a single response for everybody – it is a needs led process."
During the 1990s, the Worksop and Retford heroin problem grew to record levels - both in terms of numbers of addicts and theft-related crime.
But despite this, the closest place users could go for treatment was The Maltings in Mansfield, and people were waiting weeks for an appointment.
In 2002, the Heroin Inquiry was launched, which included Bassetlaw MP John Mann, Guardian deputy editor Tracy Powell, Manton woman Josie Potts and ex-Labour councillor Simon Greaves.
The report that followed the inquiry sparked huge improvements in local treatment, and over the last four years heroin addiction and drug related crime has dropped dramatically in the area.
In light of the findings of the Inquiry, Bassetlaw MP John Mann lambasted Mr Roberts' comments as 'disastrous' and totally out of context for Bassetlaw.
He agreed with Miss Smith that GPs efforts against drug addiction were the way forward.
He said: "Mr Roberts will be well aware of the ways drug addiction is dealt with in my constituency. GPs lead the way in a health-led programme allowing addicts and their families to work together with their doctor to overcome addiction."
"This has led to unprecedented falls in crime in Bassetlaw and has led to former addicts now being back at work, paying taxes and leading successful, crime-free lives."
Mr Mann also said Mr Roberts' suggestions were based on 'outdated' evidence that could not support his claims.
"These comments fly in the face of the real evidence from within Notts and are ill-judged and ill-informed."
"This will not stop addiction, it will make it worse. It is up to doctors and health officials to make these decisions – not the police."
Louise Newcombe, chief executive of Bassetlaw Primary Care Trust, said she thought prescribing heroin was unnecessary, as the work the PCT was doing with addicts was already helping to cut crime.
"We have already seen substantial success locally using treatment programmes like methadone, which as a result has cut crime and we will be continuing to do this," she said.
Bassetlaw Police chief Supt David Colbeck declined to comment on the matter, and a spokesman said it was because Mr Roberts' views were not a 'police issue'.
The spokesman said Mr Roberts had made the comments as an ACPO member and not as a police officer.
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Friday 25 May 2012
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