Heroin Addicts to be given clean needles when they are released from custody

Plans to provide clean needles to criminals when they are released from custody could shortly be rolled out across Northamptonshire, police have said.

Under the pioneering Needle Exchange Programme, which is to be launched as a pilot in Corby and Wellingborough police stations, drug addicts would be offered the chance to swap used needles for clean ones after they have been arrested.

Currently when addicts come into custody any drugs paraphernalia is confiscated.While that will still be the case, under the new scheme specialist drugs workers would now offer to swap dirty needles for clean ones.

Police said the programme, which will be run in partnership with the Northamptonshire Drug and Alcohol Action Team (DAAT), would provide a “great opportunity” to get addicts on to treatment programmes. Officers said after release addicts will be referred to a drugs worker who will provide them with a new needle pack.

Nigel Mills, treatment commissioning manager for DAAT, said: “Reducing the harm to the public is a priority for us here in Northamptonshire. This project will address the issue of safe needle disposal and needle-stick injuries to both the police and the general public.

“Drug workers interacting with individuals at this critical time can lead to a successful treatment and recovery.”

The needle exchange will be run by drug workers already based in the county’s custody suits. Chief Superintendent Paul Fell, from Northamptonshire Police, said: “This is an initiative that I very much support. It provides a great opportunity for us to assist some of our key partners as an organisation.

“It is a well-rehearsed debate that drugs and alcohol abuse is a contributory factor in the commission of crime and we need to do all that we can to address the issue.

“The programme is another way in which we can engage with those that have a drug addiction.”

Northampton Chronicle & Echo23/03/2010