Frank E
Registered: Nov 2006
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I saw the following on the local constabulary website.
Interesting .. on one of the two weekends of the year (the other being black friday) when every muppet and their dog who can't take their drink are out they deploy a drugs reduction scheme.
31/10/2008 New Drug Detection Technology Deployed in Grampian Aberdeen
This weekend Grampian Police, in conjunction with its partners, will be the first Scottish Police force to use a pioneering portable drug detection machine at selected licensed premises in Aberdeen city centre.
The device, known as the 'Itemiser', allows police officers or door staff to swab a person's hands and instantly check if illegal drugs are present.
All the licensed premises taking part are doing so on a voluntary basis and Police officers, working closely with door staff in attendance, will select people for checking as a condition of entry.
The portable machine can detect a wide range of illegal substances including Cocaine, Cannabis, Heroin and Ecstasy.
The project comes during the last phase of Operation Oak, Grampian Police's weekend anti-social behaviour operation. It also brings together a number of agencies including the Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency (SCDEA), Aberdeen Alcohol and Drug Action Team, NHS Grampian and Aberdeen City Council Licensing Board as well as licensees.
Detective Superintendent Willie MacColl, National Drugs Co-ordinator for the Scottish Crime and Drugs Enforcement Agency, said: “The SCDEA and the Scottish police service are committed to tackling drug dealers through our enforcement role and we have achieved success in this area with a number of significant seizures. However, it is widely recognised within policing that there is a need to reduce the harm associated with drugs, as well as the demand, and partnership working is central to achieving success in this area.
“This project offers an opportunity for collaborative working to implement an alternative intervention that will help change attitudes and reduce the demand for controlled drugs.
“We hope that over time the model can be developed and used by community partnerships in other towns and cities across Scotland to reduce the harm caused by drugs.”
Chief Inspector Innes Walker of Grampian Police, said: "So far we have had a very positive response from licensee's in the city centre, who are keen to work with the police to ensure their premises remain drug free. The device provides reassurance to regular pub and club goers while deterring unwanted drug dealers and consumers.
“A trial project was initiated in October and the initial reaction from the public, the licensed trade as well as local police officers was extremely positive – people had a greater confidence that they could enjoy a night out without fear of encountering drugs.”
Chief Inspector Walker continued by pointing out: "It is important to note that licensee's have volunteered for this pilot and taking part is not indicative of any specific problem with drugs, in fact, I would commend them for taking such a positive pro-active approach on this issue and working together with the Police.
"The Itemiser is another tool to help ensure that the city centre remains a safe place for all at the weekend and it will hopefully become a permanent addition to our drug detection arsenal."
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01-11-2008 16:27 PM
