Source · Select Committees · Home Affairs Committee
Recommendation 60
60
Accepted
Paragraph: 218
Inconsistent police diversion schemes for low-level drug offences create an unfair postcode lottery.
Conclusion
We support the use of diversion schemes for low-level offences. The use of such schemes by police forces in England and Wales is increasing and we welcome the efforts of those forces in rolling out these schemes. However, we are concerned that the use and substance of diversion schemes can vary across police forces. This can result in the criminal justice system responding differently to individuals for suspected drug-related offences. This postcode lottery is wholly unfair. It is time that a more coordinated, national approach is adopted.
Government Response Summary
The government accepted, stating it will roll out pilots to expand the use of Out of Court Disposals for drug possession offences in some forces and aims to establish a detailed national picture of OOCDs to inform future policy.
Paragraph Reference:
218
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
Most police forces in England and Wales already have a range of options at their disposal, for instance via Out of Court Disposal (OOCD) pathways. These routes offer approaches based on the operational judgement of forces. Where appropriate, forces have the option to use such pathways to deliver meaningful consequences, such as treatment or education. As committed to in the Drug Strategy, we will soon be rolling out pilots to expand the use of OOCDs within a small number of forces for drug possession offences, and to better understand efficacy of educational interventions for offenders. As part of the OOCD expansion pilots project, the Home Office also aims to establish a more detailed national picture of OOCDs, by examining their provision in all 43 territorial police forces in England and Wales. The pilot will also support work to develop immediate justice as a sanction police could place on drug users. The overall programme of work on OOCDs will provide valuable evidence base for future policy approaches, so that we can ensure the OOCD pathways provide best possible outcomes for communities and for offenders.