Cozart named as exclusive test procedure for DIP
Cozart®s RapiScan oral fluid drug testing system has been named as the exclusive test procedure for the Home Offices new Arrestee Programme under its Drug Interventions Programme (DIP).
Cozart®s RapiScan oral fluid drug testing system has been named as the exclusive test procedure for the Home Offices new Arrestee Programme under its Drug Interventions Programme (DIP).
Custody suites in Nottinghamshire, South Yorkshire and Greater Manchester Police will drug test those arrested for the trigger offences such as property crime, robbery and other specified Class A drug offences, as part of the first wave.
A further 125 custody suites operating under DIP will begin testing on arrest in March/April 2006.
The remaining 16 active custody suites will continue to perform drug testing only after the detainee has been charged.
The Home Office anticipates that the number of tests performed will treble as a result of the changes.
Dr. Chris Hand, Managing Director of Cozart: The introduction of testing of arrestees, rather than just those charged, substantially increases the use of the Cozart® RapiScan within the DIP.
Our technology is already helping to break the link between drug use and crime by identifying earlier those individuals in need of treatment for their drug use. With the news announced today our technology will help further reduce the immense social cost of drug use.
Currently 173 police custody suites across England and Wales drug test detainees. In October 2005, Cozart announced the extension of its contract with the Home Office for the supply of its Cozart® RapiScan System to the DIP to April 2007.
Recent Home Office figures reveal a 12 per cent drop in drug related recorded acquisitive crime in the year to April 2005.
It has been found that for every £1 spent on drug treatment, savings of at least £9.50 are made on criminal justice and health costs. Investment in drug treatment is projected to increase from £253 million in 2004/05 to £478 million in 2007/08.