Durham Constabulary is working with the charity Humankind to reach out and support people in the Newton Aycliffe and Shildon areas who are suffering with misuse with a new pilot programme called Ahead of the Arrest.
The brainchild of Sergeant Andy Boyd, the scheme sees officers actively engage with members of the community who need help and offers a range of support programmes to get their lives back on track.
Sgt Boyd said: “We know that misuse is a major factor for many people who go on to commit crime so this problem-solving initiative is something we hope will break that cycle. It allows us to identify vulnerable people who regularly come to the attention of the police, step in and give them that support to help them get their lives back on track.
“By working with the experts at Humankind, we can give the right support and help people and their families before they get to the point where we are having to arrest them after they commit crimes directly related to their misuse.”
The initiative officially launched on April 8, with officers proactively engaging with people who have come to the attention of the police in recent weeks.
And of the 13 people who have engaged so far, five have agreed to work with Humankind to address their issues.
“We found one man collapsed outside one address who was clearly suffering from alcoholism and in a state,” Sgt Boyd said. “We took him to hospital and on revisiting explained what we could help with and he teared up saying he was so pleased we had stepped in. He is now engaging with several different services and getting that vital support.”
Sgt Boyd added: “This gentleman is just one of the cases where we have been able to step in and break that cycle of behaviour which not only helps that individual but the whole community.
“I would urge anyone who suffers with drug or alcohol to get in touch – we want them to know they don’t have tackle this on their own.
“Tomorrow is a good day to start on the road to recovery, but today is even better. Help us to help you in getting Ahead of the Arrest.”
For more information, email Sgt Boyd at [email protected] or PCSO Abi Hill at [email protected] in Newton Aycliffe or Sgt Dan Lake at [email protected] or PCSO Jess Brown at [email protected] in Shildon.
You can also contact Humankind directly by calling 01325 731 160 or emailing [email protected] Lots of advice is also available on their website at humankindcharity.org.uk.
