Target for drug treatment orders `missed`

The targets for the number of drug treatments and testing orders
have not been met, according to the National Probation Directorate,
writes Clare Jerrom.

Funding of £36 million a year was allocated for an expected
6,000 orders per year as part of the UK drugs strategy. A further
£4 million was granted to cover court costs for the orders by
the Treasury.

But between April 2001 and March 2002 it is expected there will
be just 5,000 orders, according to Anne Williams, the directorate’s
drugs implementation advisor.

Speaking at a conference on tackling drug related crimes in
London, Williams said that a shortage of skilled and experienced
staff had made implementation difficult, particularly in
London.

But about 25 per cent of probation areas had exceeded their
targets.