Schools get new drugs guidelines

New guidelines have been set up for dealing with drugs and alcohol-related incidents in schools on Tyneside.

The initiative by Northumbria Police and Newcastle City Council sets out a standard course of action for dealing with such incidents.

This includes what schools should do in relation to police and what treatment is available to pupils involved in alcohol or drug-related incidents.

Letters outlining the new procedures are being sent out to parents.

Det Con Steve Davison, drug liaison officer, said: "Thankfully cases involving drugs in schools are rare but it is important schools follow the same course of action if they are dealing with an incident.

"It is vital that the same procedure is followed in order for the school, with the support of the police, to take whatever action is appropriate."