On the face of it, there was nothing strange about West Midlands police & crime commissioner David Jamieson announcing a set of 'practical proposals' to help reduce drug abuse. But the content turned out to be a little different from the usual 'just say no' rhetoric. Among the policies were initiatives which would effectively end the criminalisation of drug users and brand the war on drugs a failure.
"These are bold, but practical proposals that will reduce crime, the cost to the public purse and the terrible harm caused by drugs," Jamieson explained.
He's not alone. Police commissioners in Durham, Derbyshire, Dorset and North Wales have all made similar statements. But that might not protect them from the political backlash.
Jamieson wants to provide heroin-assisted treatment to users who have failed to respond to other forms of treatment, in order to deprive organised crime of funds and to break the cycle of acquisitive crime that can often go hand in hand with addiction. He also wants to introduce supervised injection facilities, which would provide a safe space for users to consume their drug of choice, using sterile equipment, under the watchful eye of medical professionals.
These proposals may seem revolutionary, but they are based on a foundation of solid scientific evidence which has repeatedly shown they prevent overdoses and help people eventually cease the use of heroin altogether, if they wish to.
