Police pilot portable drugs kits

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/scotland/6743109.stm

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Officers from three Scottish police stations will be able to check suspects for the effects of drugs using portable drug-testing kits.

The pilot project, which is beginning at stations in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen, will involve saliva being taken from those in custody.

Police, the courts and social workers will be able to use the results when making bail and sentencing decisions.

Those who refuse to co-operate with the tests could face a criminal charge.

Suspects arrested and taken to St Leonard's Police Station in Edinburgh, London Road in Glasgow and Queen Street in Aberdeen will be included in the pilot scheme.

Those likely to be tested include anyone who commits a crime that police suspect was carried out under the influence of drugs.

The mandatory tests have been introduced by the Scottish Executive who said its aim was to help problem users get off drugs, into treatment and away from crime.

Similar initiatives carried out in England and Wales have seen a significant reduction in offending rates.