Conwy and Denbighshire Community Safety Partnership are supporting a new approach to tackling alcohol related crime and disorder in both counties.
Thanks to funding from North Wales Police and the Welsh Assembly Government staff from Arch Initiatives Cymru Drug and Alcohol agency will be based in St Asaph custody suite to deliver treatment to offenders that have committed crimes whilst under the influence of alcohol.
The Chair of the Community Safety Partnership Chief Superintendent Simon Humphreys gave his support to the project stating: “The Community Safety Partnership has identified tackling alcohol related crime as a priority and by supporting this project the partnership is working hard to ensure Conwy and Denbighshire are even safer places to live, work and visit.”
Across the UK during the period 1998 – 2007 there were in excess of 25,000 individuals arrested, found guilty or cautioned for offences of drunkenness. Alcohol related offences committed by individuals range from violence, anti-social behaviour and other sundry offences.
Offences of this type have a significant detrimental impact on communities and individuals causing either physical or emotional distress.
The reasons for implementing the scheme are evidence based.
The link between alcohol misuse and crime and disorder has been established nationally and locally.
It is estimated nationally that 40% of all violent crime and 78% of all assaults are committed whilst the offender is under the influence of alcohol.
Alcohol misuse as a public health issue is also causing national concern.
Alcohol related admissions to A&E departments nationally have increased by 99% since 2000.
Since the project was introduced in late December 2009 a total of 141 initial contacts have been made, with 55 leading to assessment and intervention. All interventions take place in the custody suite.
Participation is voluntary, and is delivered by Alcohol Intervention Workers who are based at the suite. They are part of the ARCH custody team but will deal specifically with alcohol related offenders.
Interventions are delivered on a one-to-one basis within the suite. However, offenders placed on the conditional cautioning scheme will benefit from the ability to attend group sessions, delivered by ARCH Initiatives.
Interventions comprise of:
• Screening to ascertain the offenders level of alcohol misuse
• Information about how excessive drinking can be harmful to health, relationships and other quality of life issues.
• Reducing the potential for further offending by advising the offender on how to avoid future high-risk situations.
• Review education, employment and housing needs and where appropriate provide information about relevant organisations.
• Referral to other organisations including local alcohol treatment services.
• The creation of an action plan to help the offender avoid further offending connected with alcohol misuse.
Note:
The fact that an offender has taken part in the scheme may be communicated to a sentencing court if he or she has been prosecuted and found, or has pleaded guilty. The court may take this into account in any sentencing decisions.
