Arrest Referral Service

The Arrest Referral Service engages with people at the point of arrest whose offending is linked to drug or alcohol misuse. By seeing the offender as soon as they are arrested, Sacro can offer them a pathway into harm reduction, treatment and rehabilitation services.

What does the service offer?

This voluntary service offers people an opportunity to discuss — with a Sacro worker — any concerns they may have regarding their drug or alcohol misuse.

How does the service work?

Offenders are given the opportunity to engage with treatment services; thus reducing the risk of them reoffending due to substance misuse. Engagement is voluntary and not a formal part of the criminal justice process.

Who is the service aimed at?

The service is aimed at offenders over 16 years of age who are using drugs or misusing alcohol or other substances, particularly:

• Cocaine and heroin users
• Chaotic poly-drug or alcohol users
• Prolific/repeat offenders
• Young people
• Care leavers
• People who are homeless
• Women

How is the service accessed?

Police custody staff will inform the person of the scheme after they have been arrested and pass details on to the Sacro worker.

The Sacro worker will offer the person an assessment interview whilst in custody and, if suitable, combine this with a follow-up appointment on release.