Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime Drug Diversion Scheme Pilot - Verbal Briefing
Minutes:
The Director of Communities, Partnerships and Leisure gave a verbal report to the Panel, highlighting the work undertaken by the Council in research about the impact of the criminal justice system relating to low level drugs offences in Lewisham.
The Panel noted the report. It was recognised that the Mayor of London’s Office for Policing and Crime was undertaking a similar piece of work. Thus, there was a possible of partnership working with the Council on the issue.
In response to question from Councillor Muldoon, the Director informed the Panel that given the street nature of the activities undertaken by cannabis users and sellers, the responsibility for undertaking diversion work rested with the Metropolitan Police. The Director also quoted an extract from the National Drug Strategy to highlight to the Panel that local discussions were consistent with the national approach:
“Sanctions will be proportionate and relevant to the circumstances. For example, those who are caught in possession of drugs for the first time may be required to attend drugs awareness courses, so they have the opportunity to understand the harms of drugs and change their behaviour. In some cases, an individual may need more than one opportunity to make this change in their lifestyle and police forces will have discretion to support this. Those who do not engage will continue to offend. The police will be able to impose further requirements including living a fine or requiring them to do work in their community or agree to undertake drug treatment for this pattern of drug use. Ultimately, they could receive a caution or face prosecution”.
The Panel noted details about the value of diversionary activities that was keeping young people outside of the criminal justice system in regards cannabis usage.
RESOLVED that the report be noted.