BLAIR SEEKS COMPULSORY DRUG TESTS

The prime minister is to argue the case for powers to carry out compulsory
drug testing of any suspects arrested for offences such as burglary and theft.

Tony Blair is to tell Metropolitan Police officers he has asked the Home
Office to look at the issue.

Under existing powers, suspects can only be tested for heroin and cocaine
use if they have been charged.

Mr Blair believes testing all suspects will allow problem drug abusers to
be identified earlier and offered help.

Early intervention

Ministers hope it will prevent drug users who are released without charge
slipping through the net.

The government believes early intervention means people who are identified
as users can be diverted away from crime and into treatment.

The Home Office will look at whether police should be able to test all
suspects arrested for offences such as burglary and theft which are
considered as "driving up" drug abuse.

About three in four crack cocaine and heroin users claim they commit crime
to fund their habits, with 75% of the 100,000 most persistent offenders in
the UK involved in drug misuse.

Mr Blair will also use his speech to the Met officers to highlight new
powers which come into force on Monday under the Criminal Justice Act 2003.

They will enable police to retain fingerprints and DNA samples from anyone
arrested - whether or not they are charged.

The information, which will be kept on the national fingerprint and DNA
databases, should lead to speedier detection of offenders, Mr Blair will say.

Suspects will also be more quickly identified or eliminated from inquiries.