Diversion schemes and out of court disposals: Going soft on drugs?
FEATURE: As the UK continues to experience record numbers of drug-related deaths, some forces have turned increasingly to drug diversion schemes to tackle drug use, alongside the traditional prohibition deterrent; Thames Valley’s successful Drug Diversion Scheme breaches some of the ‘red line’ guidance on out of court disposals, but Chief Inspector Jason Kew believes the benefits to individuals and the wider community justify the approach.