South Cambridgeshire
Persistent Offenders Project, Probation.
This initiative involves the intensive supervision and surveillance of identified offenders in their community.
Offenders who breach their order or re-offend are returned to court or parole board more rapidly and attitudes
towards drug misuse and offending confronted. The problems associated with social reintegration are also dealt
with.
Crack cocaine Leaflets, Mill House
The crack cocaine leaflets are aimed at informing professionals and agencies about cocaine, which is increasing
in use and is difficult to treat. Crack is becoming increasingly common to recreational drug users and opiate users.
Community Support Worker
The Community Support Worker has been funded jointly with Cambridge and East Cambridgeshire. The post aims to support
the development of the Community Safety Partnerships in developing the Communities Against Drugs fund and most
importantly supporting local community groups and associations that are looking to deliver actions that impact on the
use or supply of drugs. The Community Support Worker is currently funded until March 2004. After this, the post will
be funded by the DAAT.
Doorstaff Registration Scheme
This project is linked to the Cambridge pub/club registration scheme and aims to have an effective scheme implemented
by 2003/04. The scheme will take into account national developments as well as the local situation by fully researching
'what works'.
It is acknowledged that many South Cambridgeshire residents frequent pubs and clubs in the city. It is hoped that the
scheme will cover all of the city centre pubs and clubs.
Environmental Improvements, Cambridgeshire County Council
The work for this project has begun and will be completed by March 2003. It aims to decrease the opportunities for drug
dealing and acquisitive crime caused by poor environmental design. It is hoped that it will also decrease the fear of
crime caused by a poor environment.
Good Practice Media and Leaflet Campaign, South Cambridgeshire District Council
The aim of the good practice media and leaflet campaign is to increase intelligence about drug dealing and usage in the
area. It is hoped that the campaign will highlight the need for greater information sharing so that there is a greater
knowledge of the problem.
Targeted Policing, Police
The funding awarded to targeted policing is being used to make more police officer time available for tackling drug-related
offences. The time is being spent disrupting the local drug markets and increasing police data on drug-related offending.
An increase in arrests for drug dealing/supply and a reduction in drug-related offences are aimed for. The additional
targeted policing began in early 2002 and will continue until at least March 2003.
Training for Youth Workers, Drug Action Team
Following a recent countywide training needs analysis commissioned by the Drug Action Team, it is envisaged that youth
workers will receive training aimed at improving their knowledge and increasing their skill base. The training will focus
specifically on youth workers that come into contact with young people at risk of substance misuse. The training will be
carried out during 2002/03 and is a joint initiative with East Cambridgeshire.
Additional Analyst, Police
Funding was allocated to additional analyst time so that a clearer picture could be gained about the amount of drug misuse
in South Cambridgeshire.
Since plans were drawn up, however, the Police have published a countywide study on drugs in Cambridgeshire and the Drug
Action Team has also employed an Information Officer whose work will contribute to the desired increase in knowledge. As a
result, this initiative is due to be reviewed.
Operation Ortolan, Police
Operation Ortolan was the name given to the police operation to tackle crack/cocaine in and around Cambridge. Funding towards
this initiative has now ended but work in this area continues.
Family Support Worker, Linton Action for Youth
Funding towards this initiative is currently awaiting approval. If successful the Family Support Worker, based in Linton,
will focus on working with families who are affected by drug misuse. It is envisaged that young people at risk of engaging
in substance misuse and offending behaviour will be identified and thereafter will be supported along with their family.
The aim of the project is to reduce the level of substance misuse offending and related family break-ups.
Connections Bus Drugs Project, Connections Bus Project
The Connections Bus Project covers various villages in South Cambridgeshire and the Drugs Project will take place in each
of these areas during 2002/03.The initiative includes contributing towards youth worker time, drug and health worker time
as well funding for leaflets. Information is disseminated to young people via various media and projects are run with small
groups of five or six young people and drug and health professionals.
Drugs Awareness programme, Linton Action for Youth
The Linton Action for Youth Drugs Awareness Programme involves a number of diversionary activities being provided for young
people. The activities include drug information evenings and producing a video. The project is centred around young people
from Linton and is being delivered throughout 2002/03.
Youth Shelter Provision, South Cambridgeshire District Council
Youth Shelters are being offered in areas where it is known that young people are currently gathering near to known drug
dealers. It is hoped that by providing an alternative gathering place for young people, they will less likely to become
involved in substance misuse. The shelters have been designed specifically for use by young people and will be erected by
the end of March 2003.
Community Chest
A considerable amount of money has been allocated to what the CAD Management Group has called the 'Community Chest'. The
Task Groups and other relevant groups in the Huntingdonshire area have been invited to submit applications for funding for
projects that are associated with tackling drug related issues within the area.