Pubdate: Sun, 04 Apr 2004
Source: BBC News (UK Web)
Copyright: 2004 BBC
Contact:  http://news.bbc.co.uk/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/558
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Testing)

BLAIR SEEKS COMPULSORY DRUG TESTS

The prime minister is to argue the case for powers to carry out compulsory 
drug testing of any suspects arrested for offences such as burglary and theft.

Tony Blair is to tell Metropolitan Police officers he has asked the Home 
Office to look at the issue.

Under existing powers, suspects can only be tested for heroin and cocaine 
use if they have been charged.

Mr Blair believes testing all suspects will allow problem drug abusers to 
be identified earlier and offered help.

Early intervention

Ministers hope it will prevent drug users who are released without charge 
slipping through the net.

The government believes early intervention means people who are identified 
as users can be diverted away from crime and into treatment.

The Home Office will look at whether police should be able to test all 
suspects arrested for offences such as burglary and theft which are 
considered as "driving up" drug abuse.

About three in four crack cocaine and heroin users claim they commit crime 
to fund their habits, with 75% of the 100,000 most persistent offenders in 
the UK involved in drug misuse.

Mr Blair will also use his speech to the Met officers to highlight new 
powers which come into force on Monday under the Criminal Justice Act 2003.

They will enable police to retain fingerprints and DNA samples from anyone 
arrested - whether or not they are charged.

The information, which will be kept on the national fingerprint and DNA 
databases, should lead to speedier detection of offenders, Mr Blair will say.

Suspects will also be more quickly identified or eliminated from inquiries.
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MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager