""One of the constant challenges is the ingenuity of drug dealers," Mr Fish explains. "They'll find safe havens out of the way of CCTV. They'll encourage other people, who are on treatment, back into their world." He's leading a team of seven officers, solely focused on tackling drugs and antisocial behaviour, which Tower Hamlets Council believes is the first of its kind."
"Instead of patrolling hot-spot areas, the team has identified 50 individuals who they suspect are causing the most harm in the community through drug use, and then builds up a profile of their behaviour. "Where do they sleep? Who do they interact with? Where are they committing crime - if they're committing crime - and who are the victims?" Mr Fish says they then look closely at the needs of that individual, and give them a choice, what he calls "tough love":"
Patrols begin early in Whitechapel, with council enforcement officers searching the streets for people taking drugs. A seven-officer team focuses solely on tackling drugs and antisocial behaviour and targets 50 individuals judged to cause the most harm. Officers build behavioural profiles, mapping where individuals sleep, who they interact with, and where crimes occur. Individuals are offered a "tough love" choice: enter a treatment programme with potential access to housing or face prosecution. The team issues written warnings, provides intelligence to police including body-worn camera footage, and patrols areas near the Whitechapel Mission serving breakfasts to many with addictions.
Read at www.bbc.com
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