IN an effort to combat drug and alcohol related crime, a new and innovative service has been launched by police in the Lancaster and Morecambe area.

For the first time, qualified mental health nurses will become part of the custody team.

The Bay Community NHS Trust and Lancashire Constabulary have worked closely to establish a way of working together that will benefit individuals, their families, and the wider community.

The service hopes to blend the best of arrest referral schemes with a proven treatment approach that recognises specific problems experienced by people who are misusing drugs or alcohol.

Nurses will see people who have been arrested for drug or alcohol related offences, an assessment will be undertaken and an appropriate programme of care and treatment offered. Where possible, the assessing nurse will co-ordinate and provide any necessary treatment, thus giving continuity to the individuals involved. The aim is to reach out and encourage people to take up appropriate treatment to resolve their drug or alcohol related problems and break the cycle of crime.

A survey of local arrests over a weekend in Lancaster and Morecambe showed that out of a total of 55 arrests, 72% of people were under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

The introduction of this service follows the advice of UK anti-drug tzar Keith Halliwell.

Avril Haydock, Substance Misuse Services Manager for the Bay Community NHS Trust, said "This is an exciting opportunity for nurses to provide treatment to people who might otherwise not know about our services. There is a window of opportunity to encourage people to make changes when they are facing the consequences of their drug or alcohol misuse. The nurses and custody officers have undergone special training to enable them to work positively together whilst retaining their professional boundaries."

Neil Smith, Detective Chief Inspector at Lancaster, said, "The police welcome this opportunity to work with the health service on an initiative that will undoubtedly have a positive impact on community safety.

"This scheme is not an alternative to prosecution or a 'soft touch' but rather a partnership approach to dealing with people's drug and alcohol problem."

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