North Wales PCC appears before Home Affairs Committee on inquiry into drug use

On Wednesday June 15, North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin was invited to appear before the Home Affairs Select Committee to discuss the police’s approach to combatting drug crime.

The hearing was part of the Committee’s inquiry into illegal drug use and its effects on society and the economy. He spoke as part of a panel of PCCs to stress the importance of partnership working to tackle drug misuse and reduce harm.

Andy Dunbobbin, Dorset PCC David Sidwick, and North Yorkshire PFCC Zoe Metcalfe highlighted the need for close partnership working with other agencies to develop a comprehensive response to tackle drugs misuse, each citing how they have worked with health, local government and education partners to address local challenges.

The PCCs were also questioned on recreational drug use, diversionary schemes and harm reduction programmes.

Andy Dunbobbin highlighted examples of successful partnership working with multiple agencies across North Wales and highlighted the importance of further devolution of powers over justice and policing to Wales. He also called for reform of the Misuse of Drugs Act to make it more responsive to the world today and to reflect changes in attitudes to drugs and crime since it was enacted in 1971.

Following the event, Andy Dunbobbin commented: “Across North Wales, we have some notable and effective examples of how we are helping to reduce the harm caused by drugs to society. This means that we will be able to both better support victims and communities, and also bring about a fairer and more effective criminal justice system, which are both core aims of my Police and Crime Plan.”

Dorset PCC David Sidwick, who is also the APCC’s Joint Lead for Addictions and Substance Misuse, highlighted the success of Project ADDER in the 13 areas where it is currently in operation. He called for national rollout of the project to ensure it benefits the areas that need it most.

North Yorkshire PFCC Zoe Metcalfe stressed the value of collaborating working and sharing best practice to understand the evidence base for various schemes. She voiced support for allowing local areas the flexibility to implement schemes that work best for the community rather than a ‘one-size fits all’ approach.

Andy Dunbobbin continued: “It was a pleasure to be invited to speak before the Committee and to give my thoughts on reducing drugs misuse and harm.

“I look forward to working with the Committee going forward and exploring the ways we can make the law work better in this area.”