Police Scheme to Supply Addicts With Heroin
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Although the number of people addicted to heroin has significantly reduced in recent years, there is still a huge problem in the UK with addiction, and current methods don’t seem to be particularly effective. Hence, why Durham Police are implementing a new scheme that will involve supplying addicts with heroin.
Using the Heroin-Assisted Treatment (HAT) service, Durham Police will be attempting to reduce drug-related crime, at a cost of £15,000 per year per addict.
According to Durham Police and Crime Commissioner Ron Hogg,
“There is a good solid basis of evidence for this. There was a study about six years ago which involved the same concept in Darlington, London and Brighton.
“It showed it allowed addicts to get back into recovery much more quickly and it reduced their offending. It reduced blood-borne diseases and there was a reduction in the number of needles on the street.
“It’s a cost-effective use of police money.”
Though this will definitely be a focused scheme, aimed at only those most in need, Hogg believes that it will be successful for those involved.
“The police are here to cut crime and this is a proven and effective way of doing it.
“Methadone is more effective than heroin so giving heroin to addicts makes it easier to kick the habit which is how we cut crime.
“You don’t have to be a police officer to know that people who are addicted to heroin steal a lot, including from their own families. Police officers have to deal with the victims of this crime every day.”
What do you think?