Published: 17 March 2008
Fight against Drugs in Prisons
Universal testing for the opiate substitute buprenorphine is to be introduced into all prisons in England and Wales from 1 April 2008, Justice Minister David Hanson has announced.
Government statistics claim that drug use in prisons, as measured by random Mandatory Drug Tests (MDT) shows that the positive rate has fallen by 64% over the last 10 years from 24.4% in 1996/97 to 8.8% in 2006/07. (A statistic much disputed by the many sources, including; The Observer, Prison reform Trust and BBC).
The National Offender Management Service (NOMS) commissioned a survey to assess the scale of the illegal use of the drug in prisons following the increased use of buprenorphine (Subutex) in the treatment of opioid dependence in the community. (The government has yet to come up with a feasible explanation as to why they refused to publish this July 2007 report last year when Channel 4 News made a request under the FOI Act).
Justice Minister David Hanson said:
"Prisons already have in place a comprehensive framework of supply reduction measures which can be adapted flexibly to meet local need.
The increased misuse of buprenorphine does not detract from the considerable achievement of prisons over the last 10 years in reducing the supply of drugs.
Buprenorphine misuse presents a new challenge which is why testing will now be introduced in all prisons to act as a deterrent. Prisoners will also be warned of the dangers involved in misusing this drug and reminded of the drug treatment options available in prisons.
As already announced David Blakey, a former member of Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary, has been commissioned to conduct a review of the effectiveness of the measures to disrupt the supply of illicit drugs into prisons.
This is an important element in the drive against drugs announced by the Justice Secretary at the end of January and I look forward to seeing David's findings at the end of May."
The Prison Policy Update published in January included a new package of measures aimed at tackling re-offending by getting prisoners off drugs and into work, including:
· A drive against drugs which will cover both drug treatment programmes in prisons and the review of supply of drugs in prisons announced earlier this week
· As well as stamping out the supply of drugs, the Government is helping offenders kick the habit in prison. By April, 29 prisons will have introduced the Integrated Drug Treatment System (IDTS), with enhanced clinical services extended to a further 24 prisons
· Building on the drug court pilots in West London and Leeds
· Justice Minister David Hanson is undertaking work to draw up a contract so in return for opportunities for offenders to learn new skills
· The launch of a new drive to involve more employers, from the corporate, public and voluntary sectors, in training offenders and offering them employment
Further information
A Survey of Buprenorphine Misuse in Prisons: July 2007
Channel 4 News video report
National Offender Management Service (NOMS)
Prisons - Ministry of Justice
Prison Policy Update
Integrated Drug Treatment System (IDTS)
RAPt – The Rehabilitation for Addicted Prisoners Trust
Prison Service Drug Strategy
NICE: Drug misuse - methadone and buprenorphine: Appraisal consultation document
Statistics on Drug Misuse: England, 2007
SMMGP
Drugs in The News - UK - 2007
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