Drug Test on Arrest

From the beginning of March 2011 people arrested in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames for offences where drugs are possibly involved, will be tested for heroin and/or cocaine (powder and crack).
The drug test will take place in the custody suites at either Richmond or Teddington Police Stations and will be carried out using a mouth swab. Results will be available within minutes. Those who test positive will be required to have an assessment of their drug use and will be referred to drug services. If after testing positive the person has to attend Court, the Magistrates’ may not grant them bail unless they agree to engage with drug services. This Restriction on Bail acts as an incentive for defendants who have tested positive to engage in treatment and/or other support, or face an increased risk of being refused bail.

• Information flyer on Test on Arrest(pdf, 124KB) in London Borugh of Richmond upon Thames
• London Borough of Richmond upon Thames Substance Misuse Service Directory 2011 – 2012(pdf, 80KB) (useful directory to all drug service providers)

Test on Arrest Launch

On 1st March 2011 Drug Testing on Arrest was introduced in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. To mark this important initiative the Community Safety Partnership (CSP) held a formal launch event on Wednesday 13th April, in Clarendon Hall, York House, Twickenham. As well as an introduction to the Drug Testing on Arrest and restrictions on bail process, local drugs services were available to discuss their work.

Launch programme and presentatons

• 10:00  Housekeeping and welcome - Borough Commander, Police - Clive Chalk
• 10:05  Overview - The Strategic Cabinet Member for Community Development - Cllr Fleming
• 10:10  Background to Drug Test on Arrest(pdf, 68KB) - Chief Executive of LBRuT and Chairman of the Community Safety Partnership - Gillian Norton
• 10:20  Home Office - Head of Reducing Re-offending Unit, Home Office - Sally Richards
• 10:25  How the process works and Q&A - Chief Inspector of Operations, Police Dave Henfrey and Deputy Custody Manager, Police Les Jackson Arrest Referral Worker, CRI Phil Davenport
  • Dave Henfrey - MPS - presentation(pdf, 60KB)
  • Phil Davenport - CRI - presentation(pdf, 72KB)
• 10:50  Workshop - The attendees were aksed to consider blockages and solutions to four key areas which will reduce reoffending: accommodation, education, employment and social activities-reintegration