David Macdonald

Articles by: David Macdonald

Policing a public health crisis: Exploring knowledge and awareness of drug harm reduction in Scotland

21st October 2020

David Macdonald, Addiction Services Coordinator, Glasgow Alcohol and Drug Partnership

ANALYSIS: The high level of drug-related deaths in Scotland has led to unnecessary loss of life and an unenviable tally of misery; in this qualitative study, former Police Scotland Inspector David Macdonald explores the knowledge and awareness of drug harm reduction among frontline police officers in Dundee and Glasgow.

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David Macdonald
Addiction Services Coordinator, Glasgow Alcohol and Drug Partnership

Profile
David has 30 years’ experience as a police officer in Strathclyde Police and latterly the Police Service of Scotland, and has had significant experience as a licensing practitioner at a local and national level and was a key member of the Police Scotland National Licensing Policy Unit, advising government policy makers and influencing changes to legislation. He represented Police Scotland at Strategic Level Partnerships, working closely with licensed trade bodies, local authorities, event promoters and various public bodies to keep licensed events and our communities safe. He has considerable experience in operational leadership in the public sector. A graduate of Paisley University, since retirement David has undertaken an MSc in Contemporary Drug and Alcohol Studies at the University of West of Scotland. He is a member of the Independent Complaints Panel for the Portman Group, and recently took up the role of Addiction Services Coordinator within the Glasgow City Alcohol and Drug Partnership.