Police should take ‘decisive steps’ to help tackle drug-related harms – report

Police Scotland should take “decisive steps” to improve their approach to reducing drug-related harms in Scotland, a report has said.

The review by HM Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland (HMICS) looked at how effectively the force was helping tackle “one of the most severe drug-related public health crises in the developed world”.

While it identified a number of positives, including the equipping of more than 12,500 officers with the overdose reversing drug naloxone, it said Police Scotland lacked clarity about how to balance a public health approach with traditional criminal justice methods.

The report called for the publication of a clear policy on drug harm reduction, and guidance to frontline officers on how reducing drug-related harms fits alongside their enforcement responsibilities.

HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary in Scotland Craig Naylor said: “Scotland continues to face one of the most severe drug-related public health crises in the developed world.

“In 2024 alone, 1,017 drug use deaths were registered, the highest rate in Europe and a stark reminder of the scale of the challenge.

“Police Scotland has demonstrated a willingness to adapt and contribute meaningfully to the national effort to reduce drug-related harm.

“However, to improve its response, Police Scotland should take decisive steps to strengthen its strategic and operational approach.

“This includes making clear its policy on drug harm reduction – defining the policing purpose within a public health approach and providing frontline officers with practical guidance on how to balance enforcement with harm reduction.”

The 82-page report praised the force in a number of areas, including its work with alcohol and drug partnerships, and the work of specialist units in providing intelligence on emerging threats and disrupting high-harm supply chains.

It also said the Thistle safe drug consumption facility in Glasgow has played a “small but significant role” in reducing drug-related harm in Scotland.

However, it found Police Scotland’s approach continues to be guided by the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, which centres on enforcement practices rather than public health principles, which it said can lead to confusion about what a public health approach means in practice.

It added that the term “public health approach” is not well understood among frontline officers, and that there is a lack of published guidance to support them in applying it.

Mr Naylor acknowledged Police Scotland do not have “lead responsibility” for every aspect of the issue, and said a “whole-system approach to drug harm reduction” is needed.

He went on: “This should include sustained investment from Scottish Government, strategic leadership from statutory and third sector partners, and collaboration with key stakeholders.

“The scale of the challenge demands a unified and sustained response, one that is rooted in evidence of what works, shared accountability and an ongoing commitment to
saving and improving lives.”

Assistant Chief Constable Catriona Paton said: “We welcome this report which highlights our positive work with alcohol and drug partnerships and support for local prevention, intervention and recovery initiatives that help reduce drug harm within our communities.

“The illegal consumption of drugs has a devastating impact and we have the deepest sympathy for those affected.

“We work closely with partners to share information on drugs trends, emerging threats and intelligence so they can provide swift intervention and support to communities as part of a multiagency public health approach to drugs harm.

“In addition, all our officers are equipped with Naloxone, an emergency first aid response to drug overdose, which has been administered almost 1000 times since it was introduced, potentially saving many lives.

“However our primary role is always to enforce the law.

“Officers work tirelessly to remove illegal drugs from communities and share intelligence with national and international law enforcement agencies aimed at disrupting the activities of organised criminals who profit from the harm caused.

“The recommendations contained within this report will be used to further inform policy and guidance for officers in support of prevention and operational delivery in this complex area.”

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “The Scottish Government has provided record funding for drug and alcohol programmes, widening access to treatment, residential rehabilitation, and life-saving naloxone.

“This includes over £950,000 to Police Scotland this parliament to train and equip all front-line officers to administer naloxone during opioid overdoses.

“We have opened the UK’s first Safer Drug Consumption Facility in Glasgow, with Police Scotland playing an integral role.”