Agenda item

The Panel considered a report on drug-related offences. The Commissioner advised that this was the second Deep Dive report provided by his office and that reports on further issues of importance to the public were planned for the future. A letter from the Chief Constable which responded to the report was circulated to Panel Members at the meeting.

The Commissioner advised that the findings of the report were generally positive but suggested improvements could be made regarding engagement with partner organisations and the implementation of the Pathfinders scheme and two-tier out of court disposals. The report further recommended reviewing the potential impact of Drug Consumption Rooms (DCRs) on communities in Dyfed-Powys.

In response to a query on the number of drug-related deaths, the Commissioner advised that figures were comparatively high in Wales including in areas like Carmarthenshire, however figures were subject to considerable fluctuation in the Dyfed-Powys area. He further advised that there was evidence that DCRs could significantly reduce drug-related harm. The Chief of Staff advised that while figures on p. 33 [11] of the report were representative for England and Wales, the Commissioner’s office would look into more specific data for the Dyfed-Powys area.

In response to a query regarding the effectiveness of substance misuse treatment, the Commissioner advised that the outcomes of these services needed to be monitored on a long-term basis. He stated that, while the Force’s strategy regarding drug trafficking was sound, they were lobbying the Welsh Government and the Home Office on adopting a more health-focussed perspective in their substance misuse strategy. The Commissioner further advised that, although his office was not directly funding counselling services, it was contributing to the wider support network and Officers were regularly engaging with representatives of Hywel Dda Health Board at the quarterly Area Planning Board (APB) meetings.

In response to a query regarding the timeline and resources for a Stop and Search mentor scheme, the Commissioner advised that discussions were still at an early stage but further details could be provided to the Panel in autumn.

On the topic of drug consumption rooms, the Commissioner advised that the Policing Board in Wales provided opportunities to engage with the Welsh Government.

In response to a query, the Commissioner advised that cross-border working between England and Wales was supported by healthy and well-established intelligence links.

In response to a query on public engagement, the Commissioner advised that intelligence links with local communities were crucial however the information provided was sometimes lacking in detail and could therefore not be acted upon. Initiatives to support local intelligence links included collaboration with Crimestoppers, a free phone number and the Fearless Campaign, which encouraged young people to provide information anonymously. The Commissioner further advised that the issue would be addressed in the next Deep Dive review.

In response to a query on substance misuse services, the Commissioner advised that the landscape of different service providers was complex. He suggested that a review of the Welsh Government’s substance misuse strategy from a health perspective would allow partners across Wales to better coordinate their work.

A comment was made suggesting that a tougher joint approach on education and prevention was required to make young people aware of the dangers of substance misuse.

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the report be noted.