Drug users offered clean needles

The packs will contain sterile injecting equipment

Intravenous drug users who are arrested will be offered clean needles under a pioneering scheme.

Cleveland Police are working with national drug and alcohol charity Addaction on the initiative which also aims to protect the public from discarded syringes.

At the moment, drug users are automatically stripped of needles when they are taken into custody.

Now, when they are released, if appropriate they will be offered special sealed packs which contain sterile injecting equipment, a sealed unit where used needles can be safely disposed of and details of needle exchange facilities.

No drugs of any kind will be provided.

Confidential help

Chief Constable Sean Price said: "The sharing of needles and the discarding of used needles in public places are major risks in our area.

"Police officers, front line workers and often young children who come across these needles are at risk of contracting highly infectious blood borne diseases through needle stick injuries.

"By supplying clean needles, injecting equipment and containers to dispose of used needles safely we can not only reduce the risks of spreading disease within the drug using criminal community but also protect the public."

Arrest referral workers based in the four main custody suites, who offer confidential help and advice to those with addiction problems, will operate the needle provision scheme.

The workers are employed by Addaction and no police officers or police staff will be involved in providing the equipment.

Addaction's Arrest Referral Manager, Jamie Clarke said: "As we operate independently people can be assured of receiving confidential advice on safer injecting techniques and harm reduction.

"We will also be able to link them into other drug treatment services in Teesside."

The scheme will be available to people aged 17 and over.