Drug treatment orders to replace custody in more areas

Drug Treatment and Testing Orders (DTTOs) as an alternative to
custody are to be made available in a further seven courts in
Scotland.

Originally piloted in Glasgow and Fife, the orders are applied
where drug addiction is admitted to underlie criminal acts. When
applied, individuals undertake a period of supervision, addiction
counselling and frequent drug tests as a direct alternative to
imprisonment.

Already extended to Aberdeen last November, the scheme will now
be available in sheriff courts in Edinburgh, Dundee, Perth and
Kinross, Angus, Renfrewshire, East Renfrewshire and Inverclyde from
Spring next year.