Commissioner funded drug intervention programme publishes annual report

DIP manages and supports offenders who misuse drugs. Dedicated Home Office funding for DIP ceased in March 2013, and since April 2013 it has been allocated funding by the Gwent Police and Crime Commissioner, Ian Johnston. The funds come from the Community Safety Fund which allows the Commissioner to invest in drug treatment, crime reduction and community safety activities.

During the last twelve months those accessing DIP has increased by 15%, with a 25% increase in prescribing clients.

DIP provision in Gwent is delivered by the Criminal Justice Integrated Team (CJIT) provided by CRI Cymru and Kaleidoscope. CJIT provides a range of support and interventions including one-to-one support, harm reduction advice and relapse prevention advice, and Kaleidoscope delivers the Rapid Access Prescribing element of the service across the region.

The service is accessible to any offender using any illicit substance. The Gwent region is currently the only region in Wales to be intensive across the entire region (testing on arrest for trigger offences within both Newport and Ystrad Mynach custody suites).

Commissioner Ian Johnston said; "The link between substance misuse and crime is well established. This programme is an excellent example of partnership working and is delivering real outcomes that make a difference in our communities.

"By moving responsibility for funding the programme to the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, I have been able to ensure a local focus for Gwent and value for money."

Lyn Webber, DIP Regional Manager, said; "I am pleased to publish our annual report to demonstrate all the good work going on within the programme.

"We continue to work hard to ensure that the right supportive services get to those who need them most, at a time when they may be at their most vulnerable.

"We work closely with the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner to ensure we are providing value for money and that DIP plays an integral role in meeting the Commissioner's priorities."