I WRITE in reply to a letter from Mr Pritchard on March 14 regarding the drugs policy of West Devon police.
As the District Crime Reduction Sergeant I would like to reassure your readers that the local police take the issue of drug misuse very seriously. We know that drug misuse is linked to other crimes such as burglary and vehicle crime and we aim to meet the expectations of the majority of residents in tackling drugs dealers.
The Devon and Cornwall Constabulary has clear guidelines on the action to be taken in drug cases. Where small amounts of class B drugs like cannabis are found, and the person involved has no previous history of criminal behaviour, a police caution would be an appropriate response. We would always look to divert young people in this situation away from the courts.
The policy of the local police is to target class A drugs and those who supply class B drugs to others.
The article in the Okehampton Times referred to by Mr Pritchard dealt with a counter-drugs operation against people who were allegedly producing cannabis for sale to others and were involved in allegations of class A drug supply. We feel that this pattern of drug use is a legitimate target for our policing resources.
West Devon is currently the most successful district in the Devon and Cornwall force area in terms of reduced crime and detection rates. This success is due, in part, to the work of local officers in rooting out and destroying drugs markets and suppliers.
I hope to have clarified some of Mr Pritchard's concerns. Further information on the priorities of the local community safety partnership can be found on the West Devon Borough Council website at http://www.westdevon.gov.uk">www.westdevon.gov.uk under 'Council services' and 'Community safety'.
Sgt Brendan
Brookshaw
Crime Reduction Sgt for West Devon