Committees

The role of the criminal justice system within UK's drug strategy examined

28 June 2019

The Health and Social Care Committee hears from the police, experts by experience and representatives of those affected by drug use, on the current drugs policy.

Witnesses

Tuesday 2 July in Committee Room 15, Palace of Westminster

First panel (2:30pm)

  • Jason Harwin, Assistant Chief Constable, National Police Chief Council
  • Dr Wojciech Spyt, Detective Sergeant, Thames Valley Police
  • Hardyal Dhindsa, Association of Police and Crime Commissioners
  • Stephanie Kilili, Policy Advisor, Office of the Durham Police, Crime and Victims' Commissioner

Second panel (3:30pm)

  • Mark Johnson, Chief Executive Officer, User Voice
  • Emily Giles, Policy and Communications Coordinator, ADFAM
  • Kerrie Hudson, Operational Lead, The Well

Purpose of the session

In its third evidence session on this topic the Committee will hear from two panels. The first panel will focus on the role of the criminal justice system within the UK's drug strategy. The Committee will be exploring whether a 'public health approach' is more beneficial than a 'criminal justice approach' in terms of dealing with drug abuse.

The second panel includes experts by experience and representatives of those affected by drug use. This panel will explore the harms of drug use and the success of current policy approaches as well as look to see what can be improved in the future to help those affected by drug abuse.

Further information

Image: drugs-syringe