Pubdate: Wed, 31 Dec 2003
Source: Independent  (UK)
Copyright: 2003 Independent Newspapers (UK) Ltd.
Contact:  http://www.independent.co.uk/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/209
Author: Marie Woolf, Chief Political Correspondent

PM'S DRUG REPORT SHIFTS FOCUS TO 'HIGH HARM' USERS

Drug addicts who steal, burgle and mug people to feed their habit may be 
targeted by police and forced to undergo rehabilitation following a drug 
policy rethink devised by Tony Blair's personal think-tank.

A confidential report by the Prime Minister's strategy unit says the 
Government should shift its energy to combating "high harm-causing users" 
who are responsible for thousands of crimes.

The paper, prepared after more than a year of research, says that removing 
the estimated 250,000 drug addicts who commit crimes from the streets and 
drug dens should be a top priority for the Government. It also recommends 
that addicts who commit crimes to fuel their habit should be forced to take 
treatment if they refuse voluntary rehabilitation.

The importance of the project to Mr Blair is demonstrated by the 
involvement of Lord Birt, the former director general of the BBC and the 
Prime Minister's "blue skies thinker", who has played an advisory role on 
the drugs report.

The research will inform the next stage of a drugs policy to be framed by 
David Blunkett, the Home Secretary. Yet the paper, which analyses the UK 
drugs scene from supply to end use, concludes that arresting drug dealers 
may not cut drug related crime.

Although the price may increase if supply is limited, that would not stop 
hard-core heroin and crack cocaine addicts using drugs. But it could lead 
them to commit more crimes or turn to drug dealing to pay for their habit. 
The research predicts that crimes such as burglary, shoplifting, car theft, 
mugging and assault could be prevented if the problem of addicts who turn 
to crime to pay for drugs is tackled.

A government source said: "The emphasis is on high harm drug users and 
getting them off the street. The analysis shows that market intervention 
doesn't work and they just commit more crimes to pay for drugs."

The report, prepared in consultation with the Home Secretary and the Prime 
Minister, emphasises the role for the police and the courts in tackling 
drug-fuelled crime. They should swiftly identify offenders who take drugs 
and ensure they are treated for their habit either in prison or while 
serving a sentence in the community. They should also receive continued 
help to keep them away from drugs after release.

Mr Blair wants to cut drug related crime by 25 per cent by 2005 and halve 
it by 2008.

But the report is seen as too sensitive to publish. It is expected to cause 
controversy among charities helping addicts who say addiction is a medical 
problem that cannot be adequately treated by the criminal justice system. 
It will also raise questions about whether there are enough places in 
rehabilitation centres.

A spokesman for the Prime Minister's strategy unit said that, unlike other 
reports it produces, the paper would not be made public. He added that he 
could not comment on its contents or Lord Birt's role, which he said was 
not a "formal" one. "Lord Birt is the Prime Minister's strategy adviser and 
works across a range of areas. The drugs project is a private piece of work."
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