Case studies

Background/what the project does:
The HOPE project is a co-ordinated effort to reduce drug-related crime in Northamptonshire. It involves an intensive programme for men released from Wellingborough prison and judged to be at high risk of committing drug-related offences.

Most crime in the area is caused by a small number of offenders, so the programme actively targets them prior to their release back to the community. Participation in the scheme is made a condition of licence, which can be revoked if drug use is detected, with the individual returned to prison.

People participating in the scheme will receive three home visits per week for six months after their release from custody, by a police officer (not in uniform), a probation officer and a drugs worker. This intensive support, which includes drug testing, serves to bolster the resolve to remain drug free and also to deter visits from other drug users.

What makes it different
Proactive targeting of those most likely to offend has achieved a reduction in the levels of drug-related crime. A three-way partnership between police, probation and the Drugs & Alcohol service has increased the financial resources available and enabled the regular, intensive visit programme to be maintained for six months after release. The project currently has a 60% success rate.
 
Quote
-The project has helped to reduce drug-related crime and also prevents the drug-related deaths that can occur in the period following release from prison. The support is very intensive, with visits from three different agencies every week. In this way problems can be quickly identified and users can be protected from falling back into the cycle of drug use and crime.-