We will be holding an online webinar on the 30th April to discuss approaches to policing people who use drugs during this outbreak. Initially the event was to be a half day event in memory of Kenny Simpson, but as a result of the outbreak we are postponing the seminar and having a shorter, more focussed event on the same day. In order to attend please visit the Eventbrite page and sign up – this will be for both the 30th Webinar, and to keep updated about the future face to face event.
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/92743384961
Below is taken from the event listing.
In light of recent events we will be postponing the face to face event, but we will be holding an online seminar with Zoom, which gives us the opportunity to have group chats as well as presentations. We will be updating over the month but the focus will be pragmatic approaches to policing people who use drugs during Covid-19. In particular we will look at the impact of the darknet and delivery services, the implications of arresting for posession/intent to supply in light of concerns around holding prisoners, and other apsects that impact PWUD during this time.
Please contact the organiser for a Zoom invite, or sign up and you will receive an online invite.
TO BE CONTINUED AT A LATER DATE:
Kenny Simpson (Police Scotland) was a champion for sensible drug policy and increasing dialogue and trust between the different institutions and communities responsible for drug policy in Scotland. He represented the middle ground – not pro legalisation but keen to see reform in order to improve the lives of problematic substance users in Scotland.
Since his death two years ago SDPC have been keen to organise a memorial event focussing on issues that were close to Kenny’s heart, and we have finally managed.
Pragmatic Approaches to Policing Drugs will continue on the discussion started in January with the SIPR event, and will involve discussion on the 2019 Scottish Affairs Select Committee Inquiry into Problem Drug Use in Scotland, the Dundee Drugs Death Commission 2019, and other important developments in Scottish drug policy. It aims to bring together members of Police Scotland, Public Health practitioners, the Scottish Government, the wider public sector, and drug user groups to engage in respectful and confidential dialogue on these sensitive issues. Importantly we will be xploring foundational questions such as why reform is being considered.
The event will be introduced by Elaine Simpson, Kenny’s widow. We will then have speakers of interest. So far the confirmed speakers are:
David Strang – Former senior police officer (Chief Constable of Lothian and Borders Police and HMCI of Prisons for Scotland).
Andy Perkins – Figure 8 Consultancy. Experienced researcher and part of the Dundee Drugs Commission 2018
More speakers to follow
Speakers will be followed by lively and engaging discussions on approaches to policing drugs. Light refreshments will be provided throughout the day with a light buffet reception in at the end.
The event is free, but if you would like to donate you can do so with the paypal button on www.sdpc.org.uk
