Alcohol misuse partnership strategy is working, says police commissioner

An ambitious plan to tackle alcohol misuse has reduced violence in Nottinghamshire's night-time economy and made it easier for people to seek help for dependency.

Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner Paddy Tipping launched a joint alcohol strategy two years ago, setting out how agencies would work together and share resources to tackle alcohol misuse.

Partners in the scheme were particularly looking to reduce the impact of alcohol on violent crime, domestic abuse and hospital admissions—while also protecting the prosperity of the night-time economy.

New figures now show the positive impact of this work and how targeted support is helping to turn around the lives of those in the grip of addiction.

Commissioner Tipping said: “Confronting alcohol misuse and its impact on crime has been one of my top priorities and it’s pleasing to see just how much we have achieved in the two years since the strategy was launched.

“Reducing levels of violence is good news for everybody—for the public, for revellers themselves and for licensees who rely on a safe, crime-free environment for good business.”

The key achievements of the strategy include a 21 per cent decrease in violence in the night-time economy between April and December 2015 compared to the same period in 2014.

A multi-agency team of health specialists, support providers and criminal justice experts have worked together to increase early intervention pathways for misuse, maintain enforcement and streamline support services to help people in recovery—reducing demand on hospitals and emergency services.

This has been achieved partly through the expansion of initiatives such as the Street Pastors and Night Owls schemes, and targeted community interventions.

In 2015, agencies also exceeded targets for successful alcohol treatment completions, making Nottingham one of the best performing core cities for drug and alcohol treatment nationwide.

Commissioner Tipping added: “I’m pleased at the success rate of our programmes which ensure people get help to make long-lasting lifestyle changes.”