Pubdate: Wed, 28 Jan 2009
Source: Journal, The (UK Edu)
Copyright: 2009 The Edinburgh Journal Ltd.
Contact:  http://www.journal-online.co.uk/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4641
Author: Nina Conlon
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Testing)

MOBILE DRUGS TESTS TRIALED IN SCOTLAND

Grampian Police Takes On The Fight Against With New Device

Lothian and Borders police have confirmed their hope to  introduce 
the hand-held machine across Scotland after a  successful pilot in Aberdeen.

Known as the "itemiser," the device allows door staff  or police 
officers to swab, as a condition of entry, a  person's hand for 
traces of drugs when entering a  licensed premise. A portable machine 
then detects  traces of illegal substances, including 
cannabis,  ecstasy and heroin in seconds.

Licensed premises have taken part on a voluntary basis  and, 
following a trial period carried out in October  2008, police in the 
North East of Scotland have  received positive feedback.

Chief Inspector Innes Walker of Grampian police said  that pub and 
club owners had broadly welcomed the  introduction of the itemiser: 
"The device provides  reassurance to regular pub and club goers, 
while deterring unwanted drug dealers and consumers.

"A trial project was initiated in October and the  initial reaction 
from the public, the licensed trade as  well as local police officers 
was extremely positive.  People had a greater confidence that they 
could enjoy a  night out without fear of encountering drugs."

Detective Superintendent Willie MacColl, National Drugs  Co-ordinator 
for the Scottish Crime and Drugs  Enforcement Agency, confirmed that 
the device could  soon be used in Edinburgh: "We hope that over time 
the  model can be developed and used by community  partnerships in 
other towns and cities across Scotland  to reduce the harm caused by 
drugs," he said.

The scheme has also been trialled in South Lanarkshire  and Tayside.

The decision on whether to introduce the itemiser in  Edinburgh's 
bars and nightclubs will be made by Lothian  and Borders police in due course.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom