Prevention 'front and centre'

Last week’s newsletter was focused on cannabis and my latest work to lobby the Government to review the classification of this illegal substance and make it a Class A drug. To briefly recap, I recently wrote to the Policing Minister on behalf of 14 Police and Crime Commissioners, calling for the reclassification of cannabis from a Class B to a Class A. This request was based on emerging scientific and medical research, which indicates that the health risks associated with cannabis may be more extensive than previously understood. I believe a tougher stance is needed when it comes to this illegal drug, not just in terms of enforcement, but to send a clear message to the public that this dangerous substance is being taken seriously.

Following this letter, I have now received a response from the Policing Minister, Dame Diana Johnson, who writes that the current status will not be reviewed at this time. While I am disappointed by this, I do take heart that there is a firm commitment that the Government has no plans to legalise cannabis or take any steps towards this. This is good news. The Minister also did not rule out a review of cannabis in the future, although she made clear she is not currently planning to commission the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs to look at this issue. Having said this, the Minister is open to discussion about the newer evidence and I will be seeing her in September in order to discuss this further.

Alongside the reclassification request, I also asked for increased investment towards drug prevention. As I have previously stated, when it comes to the three key measures to tackle illegal drugs – enforcement, treatment and prevention – prevention is the orphan at the feast and that needs to change. This is not just my view, a recent report from the Advisory Council for the Misuse of Drugs stated that drug prevention for 11-24-year-olds does work and not only benefits the target group but also wider society. It also stated that due to lack of dedicated funding, there is no national co-ordinated prevention system. In her response to my request for increased investment in prevention, the Minister offered assurances that the Government are committed to providing effective prevention and have put this ‘front and centre’ of their plans to improve the lives of people in the UK. We all know the most effective way to reduce illegal drug use among adults in the UK is through education, diversion and intervention and I hope the Government acts quickly to ensure proper, robust prevention and education receive the necessary funding to make a difference.

Lastly, I would like to thank those members of the public who have responded to last week’s newsletter, supporting these efforts. While I accept there will always be wide-ranging views on this subject, I believe it is incumbent on people in positions like my own to raise these concerns with those in power and consistently strive for change to protect the public.

I fully recognise the concern illegal drugs cause and the way they impact the feeling of safety across our communities. That’s why I am determined to continue my work, raising awareness about the need for more prevention, and ensuring robust enforcement continues in Dorset, alongside effective treatment for those in need. This is and will remain a priority in Dorset, as we work to make our area No Place for Drugs and ensure we stay one of the safest areas in the country.

David Sidwick

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner