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13/11/2008
Binge Drinkers To Confront Alcohol-Related Criminal Behaviour
Binge drinkers arrested for alcohol-related offences in nine police force areas across the country will be compelled to face up to the consequences of their drinking, Home Office Minister Alan Campbell announced today.
The Home Office is providing an additional £1 million to police and drug and alcohol teams for the roll-out of nine new alcohol arrest referral projects.
Under the scheme, offenders arrested for alcohol-related offences are referred to alcohol specialists who, over one or two sessions, assess the offender's drinking behaviour, the health risks to the individual and provide help and advice on reducing their alcohol consumption.
Those with more complex alcohol misuse problems, and who are given a conditional caution, can be referred to more in-depth advice sessions.
If they do not attend these advice sessions, they can be prosecuted for the original offence.
The new pilots, backed by local police and alcohol reduction charities, will take place in north-east Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Cleveland, Bristol, Swindon, Leicestershire and Rutland, Stoke on Trent, Cumbria and Islington.
Home Office Minister Alan Campbell said: "Most people enjoy drinking sensibly but those who drink excessively and cause trouble should expect to face up to the consequences.
"The alcohol arrest referral sessions are not an easy option.
"They aim to cut re-offending and so make our towns and city centres more pleasant places by making offenders realise their mistakes.
"Working with police and industry the Government will continue to do all it can to help ensure people can enjoy alcohol in a way that is safe, sensible and social."
These nine new pilots will build on four existing referral projects funded by the Home Office in Liverpool, Manchester, Cheshire and Ealing.
The nine new additional projects will allow for a more effective evaluation of how these interventions combat alcohol-related crime and disorder. They will also consider the impact this can have on re-offending rates. In Gloucestershire, the re-offending rate for those who attended two sessions was halved in the following year.
If the projects prove successful after the first year, more money will be provided until April 2010.
(JM)
The Home Office is providing an additional £1 million to police and drug and alcohol teams for the roll-out of nine new alcohol arrest referral projects.
Under the scheme, offenders arrested for alcohol-related offences are referred to alcohol specialists who, over one or two sessions, assess the offender's drinking behaviour, the health risks to the individual and provide help and advice on reducing their alcohol consumption.
Those with more complex alcohol misuse problems, and who are given a conditional caution, can be referred to more in-depth advice sessions.
If they do not attend these advice sessions, they can be prosecuted for the original offence.
The new pilots, backed by local police and alcohol reduction charities, will take place in north-east Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Cleveland, Bristol, Swindon, Leicestershire and Rutland, Stoke on Trent, Cumbria and Islington.
Home Office Minister Alan Campbell said: "Most people enjoy drinking sensibly but those who drink excessively and cause trouble should expect to face up to the consequences.
"The alcohol arrest referral sessions are not an easy option.
"They aim to cut re-offending and so make our towns and city centres more pleasant places by making offenders realise their mistakes.
"Working with police and industry the Government will continue to do all it can to help ensure people can enjoy alcohol in a way that is safe, sensible and social."
These nine new pilots will build on four existing referral projects funded by the Home Office in Liverpool, Manchester, Cheshire and Ealing.
The nine new additional projects will allow for a more effective evaluation of how these interventions combat alcohol-related crime and disorder. They will also consider the impact this can have on re-offending rates. In Gloucestershire, the re-offending rate for those who attended two sessions was halved in the following year.
If the projects prove successful after the first year, more money will be provided until April 2010.
(JM)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
