Drugs

Policy Scope:

This policy affects all staff in the South Yorkshire Police.

Policy Aims and Objectives:

The South Yorkshire Police Drug Strategy 2011 - 2014 has been developed to give clear direction on how the service intends to deliver its responsibilities in tackling the problem of illegal drugs on our streets.

In achieving this aim, South Yorkshire Police will continue to build on our partnership support, enabling a thorough response to Prevention, Treatment and Enforcement.

The Strategy is designed as a living document, able to evolve by way of any alteration or amendment deemed necessary and to meet any influence. In this way, its use can determine any legislative, policy, procedural or protocol changes.

The South Yorkshire Police Drug Strategy will seek to invoke advice and assistance from our partners at national, regional and particularly at local level.

The principle of this strategy is one of sharing whatever information or best practice is likely to be of benefit to, or promote the national objectives.

All the organisations involved will be encouraged to make proposals for research under any of the Key Area headings.

Associated Procedural Instructions:

This policy is supported by the following procedural instructions:

Cannabis enforcement instructions - formal warnings (D50299)

Disposal of Hydroponic and Other Bulk Equipment Relating to Controlled Drugs D51311

Drug Enforcement (D50298)

Drugs - Needle and Associated Equipment Exchange (D50841)

Methamphetamine and Other Illicit Drug Laboratories and Drug Precursor Chemical Monitoring (D50839)

Drug Related Overdoses and Deaths (D50838)

Drug Seizure System (D51226)

Drugs - Role of Police in Schools (D50842)

The Use of Drugs Drop boxes in Licensed Premises (D50854)

Equality Act 2010

The Act creates a statutory requirement for all Functions and Policies (Including Procedural Instructions) to be analysed for their effect on equality, diversity and human rights, with due regard to the General Duty.

In principle, this document has been assessed for discrimination, which cannot be justified, among other diverse groups.

Human Rights/Discretion:

The purpose of providing policy is to give an indication to staff of the expected course of action. However it is not possible to cater for every possible combination of factors that would justify a departure from stated policy. The Human Rights Act 1998 requires the proper use of discretion at all times and nothing within this policy and associated procedural instructions prohibits the proper use of discretion in appropriate circumstances.

Where action is taken that has the potential to interfere with an individual's Human Rights, the reasons behind the making of the decision to act in that way should be recorded on the appropriate forms, or where this is not practicable, in pocket books or policy logs.

Freedom of Information Act 2000

Exemptions do not apply to this statement of agreed policy under the Freedom of Information Act 2000.

Management of Police Information (MoPI)

This policy falls within MoPI: No

Audit Review Arrangements:

The Drug Strategy Unit, Specialist Crime Services, will review this policy every three years.

Rights of redress for members of the public:

Anyone who feels that a member of SYP staff has behaved incorrectly or unfairly has the right to make a complaint. Initial action should be taken in one of the following ways:

Complaint in writing or in person to the Senior Officer at the appropriate police station or in writing to the Chief Constable of the force concerned.
Visit a local Citizens’ Advice Bureau.
Contact a solicitor.

Rights of redress for South Yorkshire Police staff:

South Yorkshire Police staff who feel they have grounds for concern in relation to the implementation of policies may:

Pursue concerns through their line manager.
Contact a First Contact Advisor.
Pursue a grievance formally through the South Yorkshire Police Fairness at Work Procedure.
Seek advice from their staff association or trades union.
Use procedural instruction D50241 Management of Complaints, in the section entitled Handling Complaints relating to Direction and Control.

Start Date:

4 October 2004. (Amended February 2009)

Equality Analysis:

D50844 Drug Policy.pdf