Written question asked by David Drew (Labour) on Wednesday, 1 December 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 31 January 2005. It was answered by Caroline Flint (Labour) on Monday, 31 January 2005 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what the (a) role, (b) aim and (c) purpose will be of the criminal justice intervention panels; and when they will be fully functional. - Inc fact that Drug Interventions Programme was formerly Criminal Justice Interventions Programme.

Answer: Mr. Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the (a) role, (b) aim and (c) purpose will be of the criminal justice intervention panels; and when they will be fully functional. [202689] Caroline Flint: The Drug Interventions Programme (formerly Criminal Justice Interventions Programme) is a critical part of the Government's national strategy for tackling drugs. The programme aims to make the most of opportunities provided by the criminal justice system to get drug misusing offenders out of crime and into treatment. The `intensive' elements of the Drug Interventions Programme are currently operational in 66 police Basic Command Units (47 DATs) with high levels of acquisitive crime. From April 2005-06, we will expand the intensive elements of the programme to a further 32 Basic Command Units covering 23 DATs. These elements include testing for Class A drugs following charge for certain trigger offences. The programme will be enhanced by measures included in the Drugs Bill, which entered Commons Committee on 27 January 2005. Between April and November 2004, over 9,000 people entered treatment through the programme. Early evidence shows that acquisitive crime is falling faster in Drug Interventions Programme areas than non-programme areas.

Secondary information