More needs to be done to tackle drug crime - PCC
More needs to be done to tackle the root causes of drug abuse in West Mercia, the area's police and crime commissioner has said.
John Campion said there was no single solution for the devastation that drug abuse can cause.
His comments come at the launch of a consultation on more than £300,000 of annual funding for drug intervention programmes ensuring police are tackling ‘County Lines’ drugs offending, and working closely with partners to deliver a more effective, holistic approach.
Mr Campion said: "West Mercia is a comparatively safe place to live and it’s important we do not lose sight of that. However, we are not immune to the devastation that drug abuse causes individuals, and the damage it can do to communities.
“It is an inherently complex issue and there is no single solution. It needs sustained efforts from a whole range of partners to be most effective, whether that is around policing and criminal justice, or health services and local authorities.
"My new strategy sets out how I am committed to playing my part, both in terms of my own role, and working with others to deliver the best possible results.”
The draft strategy aims to reduce crime, focus on early intervention and put victims first by identifying and supporting those with vulnerabilities.
Mr Campion said he wants to work with communities to understand the changing picture of drugs in the region and improve pathways for victims of drug related crime.
"I firmly believe that a holistic approach is needed," he said. "Our laws, and enforcement of them, need to be appropriate for our 21st century society and offer an effective deterrent.
"Equally, we also need effective measures to treat the root causes of drug abuse and, whenever possible, prevent people from falling into such destructive patterns of behaviour."
"The worlds of policing, criminal justice, local authorities, and health services share a common interest in delivering better outcomes for communities around drug abuse, and have both collective and individual roles to play in making that happen."
The consultation is open until Sunday 24th March. Details on how to take part are available on the PCC’s website, www.westmercia-pcc.gov.uk
