BACKGROUND TO PROLIFIC OFFENDERS PROJECT

1
BACKGROUND TO PROLIFIC OFFENDERS PROJECT

• Recognised need to work proactively with
  offenders whose crimes are directly linked to
  drug use.
• Assertive intensive model combining drug
  treatment and lifestyle support.
• Carrot and stick Issues re coercive aspect of
  intervention.
• Participation voluntary BUT
• Refusal Surveillance and disruption.
• Scales of Implementation.
• Blackpool Multi agency team CPs
  Caseworker/Probation/NACRO/3 Police Officers and
  Sergeant/Drug Worker/Access to GP.
• Lanarkshire Combination of dedicated hours with
  proactive working across agencies to engage
  support required. SIP funding excluded police
  hours.

2
OPERATION TOWER BLACKPOOL AND FYLDE

• Combination of factors led to project
  development.
• In 2001 levels of street robbery/house
  burglary/auto-crime increased by a third.
• Drug deaths tripled in Blackpool from 2001 to
  2002.
• 27 offenders were convicted of 1,113 offences
  prior to 2001.
• Recognised need for long term problem solving
  strategy for those excluded from mainstream
  services. (Divisional Commander).
• Most persistent offenders and chronic drug users
  were not accessing drug treatment.

3
OUTCOME OF OPERATION TOWER

• No drug deaths in Blackpool from start of Project
  amongst Tower client base.
• Tower clients achieve in excess of 90 attendance
  rates at drug treatment appointments.
• Original criminality reduction target of 30 has
  been achieved.
• Overall reduction in crime in Western Division
  was significant for all crime, burglary dwelling
  and theft from vehicles when compared to rest of
  Lancashire constabulary.
• No evidence of geographic displacement of crime.
• Most prolific/challenging group of clients
  effectively engaged in treatment services.

4
TARTAN TOWER

• Model involves collaboration across a number of
  services SIP funding ADAT / Strathclyde
  Police / North Lanarkshire SIP / SACRO / SPS /
  LAN Health Board / Social Work and Housing /
  Progress 2 Work / PF.
• Treatment of 17 individuals with 341 convictions
  and 111 pending.
• Acquisitive crime directly related to substance
  misuse.
• Interest from Scottish Executive/evaluation by
  Stirling University.
• Service users linked into supports to address
  holistic needs Wraparound Service.
• Detailed protocol ensuring the sharing of
  information across agencies to ensure delivery of
  care whilst protecting privacy and ensuring
  confidentiality.

5
AVAILABILITY

• Other DAT areas intelligence led initiatives
  aimed at disrupting market.
• Thames Valley Crimestoppers Campaign Drug
  Dealers Deal in Death.
• Mock Funeral
• Urging local people to pass on information
  anonymously.
• EIU Report Reducing the Impact on Local Drug
  Markets. Strong evidence that-
• Treatment can lead to sustained reductions in
  drug use/drug related crime.
• Emerging international evidence/current
  innovative examples in England highlights
  approaches which highlights coordinating target
  and link enforcement action and treatment.
• Approach ensures that depletion/destruction of a
  drug market is sustained by providing treatment
  and support if and when, there is a decrease in
  availability of drugs.