Drugs tests do the trick for Richmond police (From Your Local Guardian)

Drugs tests do the trick for Richmond police

1:58pm Monday 13th February 2012 in Richmond By Paul Teed

Thirty drug addicts have gone through treatment thanks to Richmond police’s new test on arrest initiative.

Officers have for the past 11 months been carrying out mouth swabs for illegal substances on anyone suspected of a trigger offence, such as robbery or burglary.

Richmond’s Community Safety Partnership launched the initiative to deter offenders from committing drug-related crimes in the borough.

Criminals who test positive in the custody suites at Richmond or Teddington police stations must then attend two assessment sessions.

Chief Superintendent Clive Chalk, borough commander of Richmond, said: “Nearly a year on from its introduction test on arrest is working well and we have seen a reduction in drug related crime.

“Test on arrest sends a strong message to offenders that drugs will not be tolerated in this borough.”