Tackling Drugs Week 2009 - 8th to 12th June
National Tackling Drugs Week is designed to provide local agencies and police forces with a platform to publicise the work they do to tackle drugs and reduce drug-related crime. The week aims to increase public confidence in, and awareness of the work being done locally to respond to people's concerns about drugs locally.
Tackling Drugs Week 2009 built upon the success and momentum generated by 2008's National Tackling Drugs Days. It also reflected our commitment to respond to community concerns about drugs, which is a key element of the drug strategy.
Purpose of the week
- Raise awareness of work undertaken by agencies and police forces to tackle drugs and reduce drug-related crime and harm
- Use communications to address local communities' perceptions of drug use in their area and to build confidence in the work of local agencies
- Demonstrate to the public that tangible improvements are being made in communities across the country
What was on in your area of West Yorkshire?
A series of Q&A events took place across West Yorkshire to explore approaches to tackling drugs and drug offences and to offer local communities reassurance that the issue is being taken seriously by the criminal justice system.
The events visited Dewsbury, Wakefield, Bradford and Leeds and drew a number of criminal justice professionals and the local community together to discuss the topic. A variety of industry specialist contributed to the event, and at one event a reformed drug user spoke to the audience, giving his experience of the criminal justice system.
What did you think?
"It is very encouraging to hear that so much proactive work is being done around drugs in the area"
"The part I most enjoyed was being able to question and challenge a panel with such varied expertise"
"Very Informative"
"It was great to see the extent of the partnership working that is taking place in West Yorkshire"