A POLICE commissioner met former addicts to learn about the work of a drug recovery team.
Durham Police and Crime Commissioner Ron Hogg met prisoners who have successfully quit alcohol and drugs, and he talked with their families, to learn about the work of the Drugs and Alcohol Recovery Team (Dart) in Durham Prison.
Mr Hogg said: “I’m very impressed by the Dart’s innovative thinking and energy in the field of drug treatment, which has greatly advanced recovery inside prison and enhanced links between prison and the community on discharge.
“It has further reinforced my view on decriminalisation (of drugs) and the need to move towards a recovery-based approach.
“We need a frank and open debate on our drugs policy. The focus should be on harm reduction and thus ought to include discussions on legal drugs such as alcohol as well as illegal drugs.”
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