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On 13 December 2005, the Department for Constitutional Affairs (DCA) announced the launch of a pilot, to run until July 2007, in two dedicated courts aimed at hitting the scourge of drug induced crime. Leeds and West London magistrates' courts will pilot a new framework for dealing with offenders who carry out quality of life crimes like shoplifting or vehicle crime, often committed to feed a drug habit. When an offender is found guilty and is referred to the dedicated drug court (DDC) for sentence, the same magistrates or district judge will sentence the offender and provide continuity and stability in reviews of offenders on drug treatment orders.
International evidence suggests that continuity of sentencer motivates offenders and leads to higher rates of successful completion of drug treatment orders if defendants know they will come before the same people. An increase in the number of completed orders is linked to a decrease in the incidents of drug-related crime. The offender will also receive support and treatment from probation and the Drugs Interventions Programme.
The 18-month pilot will measure if dedicated drug courts:
The link between magistrates or district judges and the offender will continue until the drug treatment order is completed. If a breach of the order occurs the same magistrates or district judge will re-sentence the offender for their original offence, considering all options including custody. Offenders will be required to undergo progress reviews and regularly undergo drug tests.
The launch speech by Lord Falconer, Constitutional Affairs Secretary and Lord Chancellor, can be viewed on the DCA website.