Report to the People
Drug Courts
There is little argument over the threat which drugs pose to our society.
Drugs do not only destroy the lives of addicts and their families; they affect our whole community. If you’re burgled, mugged or have your car stolen - you are also a victim of drugs.
The fight against drugs and drug-related crime is, of course, one of the Scottish Parliament’s top priorities.
As part of an extra half billion pounds to be invested in Scotland's justice system over the next three years, the Police will receive an extra £258 million. The Government has also allocated £10 million to set up the Scottish Drugs Enforcement Agency which will recruit 200 officers to crack down on drug crime.
However, simply enforcing anti-drug laws - no matter how strictly - is not enough. If we are to cut the cancer of drugs out of our community, it is essential that we tackle the route causes.
The government recently unveiled a £100 million package of measures aimed at breaking the cycle of drug offending. In addition to helping fund better drug education for children and young people, the money will pay for more treatment and rehabilitation facilities. Also, for the first time ever, there will be a concerted drive to give ex-users the skills they need to stay off drugs and eventually find jobs.
While welcome, these measures are only part of the solution. If we are serious about kicking the drug habit, we must constantly look for new approaches and solutions. Last week, in a debate, the Parliament discussed one such innovation - the establishment of Drug Courts in Scotland.
The idea behind Drug Courts is simple. We all know that drugs can affect anyone at any level of society. Coming from a decent, hardworking family does not make you immune their grip. Drug Courts recognise this and help separate out the issues of criminality and treatment.
The expertise they develop on drug problems and on the treatments available makes them better placed to get offenders off drugs and break the cycle of crime.
The courts are meant for drug users rather than more serious criminals like drug dealers, who, of course, will continue to be severely dealt with by mainstream courts.
I am pleased that Ministers are keen on the idea of establishing drugs courts in Scotland. I hope they will prove to be another step towards ridding our community of the menace of drugs.
[ HOME ] [ News ] [ Calendar ] [ Contacts ] [ Links ] [ E-Mail ]
[ Copyright ] [ Open Government ] [ Scottish Parliament ]