POLICE CAUTION 46 UNDER NEW TRIAL

Forty-six Melburnians have received a police caution for using or possessing
illicit drugs under a trial program to divert drug users into treatment.

The Victoria Police's drug diversion program, which began last September,
allows for first-time offenders caught with small amounts of illicit drugs
other than cannabis to receive a police caution.

The first offenders have the option of a referral to an appropriate drug
treatment agency for assessment for a treatment program, instead of being
charged.

Victoria Police statistics show that 23 of the participants in the program
were aged 21 or under at the time of offending, and 37 are males.

All but four of the first offenders were caught using or possessing heroin,
two had cannabis and one each was in possession of amphetamines or ecstasy.

First offenders caught with small amounts of illicit drugs are eligible for
the drug diversion pilot if they:

Admit the offence.

Have no prior drug conviction.

Consent to being cautioned.

Agree to professional assessment and treatment.

No other drug offence is involved.

A recent police review of the program shows that three of the 46 people
breached the conditions of the program and did not attend the drug treatment
agency they were referred to. They may be charged.

``Feedback continues to be extremely positive and the project has
facilitated linking users into timely treatment. Drug agencies advise that
those diverted are clearly the early users with many smoking heroin as
opposed to injecting,'' the review states.

The chief commissioner, Mr Neil Comrie, said yesterday the program was a
success and an important early intervention in the battle against drug use.

This week he said the program might go beyond its 1May completion date while
it was evaluated and that it might eventually go statewide.