Making Dorset ‘No Place for Drugs’

4 August

Over the past few weeks, the focus of my newsletters has been around illegal drugs and harmful substances, the impact they have on people and our communities, and how we’re working to reduce this. From prevention to treatment and enforcement, I have sought to outline the extent of the work taking place across Dorset in order to tackle the harm from illegal drugs, and highlight the key players involved in effecting change and intervening to protect vulnerable people and other affected groups. I have also outlined my position on important issues including prevention and the reclassification of drugs including ketamine and cannabis, alongside my continuing work to bring about change locally, regionally and nationally.

When I came to Office, I knew I wanted tackling illegal drugs to be a key part of my Police and Crime Plan. I fully recognise the harm illegal drugs and harmful substances cause to communities – directly and indirectly – and that’s why priority three of my Police and Crime Plan is dedicated to Fighting Violent Crime and High Harm. This includes the commitment to tackle addiction and substance misuse through a number of measures including working with Dorset Police and key partners to commission services and educational inputs to help reduce the harm of drugs, alcohol and harmful gambling. In Dorset, this has included joint working and support for organisations including The Talkabout Trust, Escapeline, Vita Nova and PACE among others, to tackle these issues. The work of the Dorset and BCP Combating Drugs Partnership, an organisation I lead, is also key to this, working closely with local partners to ensure prevention, treatment and enforcement are all being effectively delivered across Dorset.

When it comes to prevention, much more needs to be done by those in power to ensure full and robust prevention programmes are in place to divert young people away from illegal and harmful substances. While in Dorset we are doing as much as we can, I will continue to call for proper investment in this vital measure to protect people from the harm illegal drugs can wage.

Another key commitment is making certain Dorset Police are taking a robust approach to drug-related criminality, using their powers to disrupt on street dealing and county lines activity in order to reduce the damage caused to local communities, and deal with the associated violence, exploitation of vulnerable people, anti-social behaviour and acquisitive crime. Through not only the work of dedicated Neighbourhood Policing Teams including officers, staff and volunteers 365 days a year, special operations like Operation Viper and Operation Scorpion are essential. The latest round of Operation Scorpion which took place recently, highlights the robust enforcement taking place to deal with illegal drugs and criminality which accompanies it. Operation Scorpion is a vital - and successful - part of our fight to reduce the harm illegal drugs cause in Dorset and the south west region. You can find out more about what happened in the latest iteration here.

I am clear; Dorset Police will continue to robustly tackle illegal drugs and those who deal them and cause harm to our communities. I know the fear and concern these substances cause, and I know the public want to see tough action. I take this very seriously, and I want to assure you that Dorset Police is focused on tackling the offenders and reducing the harms they cause. From bespoke specialist prevention and education for young people, to the robust enforcement from Dorset Police and help and support for those affected by these harmful substances, we are doing everything in our power to take tough action on drugs and alcohol, protect our communities and send a clear message that Dorset is No Place for Drugs.

David Sidwick

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner

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Making Dorset ‘No Place for Drugs’

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