APCC lead for alcohol and substance misuse, Hardyal Dhindsa PCC responded to the Health and Social Care Committee’s Drugs Policy Report
“All Police and Crime Commissioners are committed to reducing drug related deaths, drug related crime and the other harms to society that drugs misuse brings.
“Whilst we would echo the Committee’s call for increased resources as a matter of urgency, and know first-hand the importance of investment in evidence-based drug treatment services locally, this needs to be part of a comprehensive package of education, prevention and other support measures focused on the prevention of drug use amongst young people and other vulnerable people. PCCs have consistently advocated this approach and agree with the Committee that the focus should be on health and harm reduction.
“PCCs continue to work across local partnerships, piloting innovative and evidence-based approaches to both harm reduction and reducing demand for drugs. Nationally we continue to make the case for evidence-based policy and services to the Government through our membership of the Home Secretary chaired Drugs Board and our participation in the Independent Review of Drugs chaired by Dame Professor Carol Black.”