Wiltshire and Swindon crime chief says no to addicts’ drug rooms

Angus Macpherson, the police and crime commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon, has

said that Wiltshire will not be setting up consumption rooms for drug abusers and addicts in the county.

The consumption rooms, already termed ‘shooting galleries’ by some parts of the press, will be locations where addicts can safely take drugs without risk of arrest. The idea is to help those who are trying to manage their addiction by providing a safe place to inject drugs, while also providing the opportunity for counselling.
The idea is being trialled in Brighton, Darlington and London, with the aim being to take drugs off the streets and reduce crime.

Canada, Australia and several European countries have already set up such a scheme. All the countries have provided these locations for the same reasons: to take drugs off the streets, reduce crime, and also to reduce the risk of death from overdose and disease from poor hygiene.

This initiative accepts the fact that many of those who are addicted to drugs are vulnerable victims who will benefit from a safe haven. It is also much easier to offer help and assistance when the whereabouts of drug users is known; however, Mr Macpherson says: “I’m a greater believer in abstinence rather than maintenance approaches in the treatment of those with drug habits.”

While it is indeed true that abstinence is a very effective way to cure a drug problem, in practice it can be difficult to reach out to the vulnerable in society to offer the support they need.