Police back softer line on drug users

Thursday, 2 May, 2002, 14:14 GMT 15:14 UK

BBC

Police chiefs say they would have a better chance of winning the war on drugs if addicts were given treatment instead of punishment.
The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) also believes it would be better to adopt a more relaxed stance towards people caught with small amounts of cannabis.

ACPO unveiled its proposals in a report, carried out by its influential drugs committee, saying in some circumstances, treatment should be considered instead of prosecution.

Drugs' groups have welcomed the report, saying ACPO had been moving in this direction for some time.

And the Home Office has pledged to study the findings.

Commander Andy Hayman, chairman of the ACPO committee that produced the report, said: "It is predominantly a health issue so what we're saying is that we should be matching the health issue with the health option.

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