A United Nations report says special courts for drugs offenders are a key way to reduce drug-related crime. Dealing with drug abusers in special courts cuts the levels of re-offending and saves money in the long term, according to the research. The report has been put before a conference on drugs courts at the Scottish police forces' college in Tulliallan, Fife. Let's just legalise it'.
Drug courts are an excellent example of best practice that does work.
But the report warns there can be no half measures and courts are to be given powers to order treatment and rehabilitation with prison used as a sanction for offenders who drop out of the programmes. The UK already has four pilot projects, where offenders who are considered suitable for rehabilitation are put on drug testing and treatment orders as an alternative to imprisonment. The report says many repeat offenders are driven by their addiction or abuse of drugs and breaking the habit ends the cycle of offending. Courts, health authorities, local councils and the prosecution service must work together to target the right offenders and see they complete the rehabilitation programmes. It also refutes the suggestion treatment orders are a soft option and an easy escape from prison.