Class A Drug Testing on arrest is set to be extended across Essex in a bid to reduce re-offending criminals.
A total of £718,000 has been secured from the Home Office Police Innovation Fund to extend a pilot programme currently being run in Chelmsford.
The programme aims to identify whether a person needs treatment.
Police & Crime Commissioner for Essex, Nick Alston said: "It has long been known that Class A drug users often commit a significant proportion of acquisitive crime – such as burglaries, shoplifting and robbery.
“The evidence shows that successful treatment for drug misuse will significantly reduce re-offending, and keep our communities safer.”
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