 Justice Minister Cathy Jamieson welcomed the findings |
Court orders offering drug offenders treatment in order to keep them out of prison are proving successful, according to the Scottish Executive. Researchers found that almost half of those given a Drug Treatment and Testing Order have not reoffended.
Justice Minister Cathy Jamieson said a near 50% success rate represented a significant reduction in crime.
The orders, developed five years ago in Glasgow and Fife, are being rolled out to courts across Scotland.
They are imposed instead of a jail sentence, usually because the offender has a long criminal record.
They combine regular testing, ensuring that the offender remains free from drugs, with treatment including counselling and rehabilitation.
Details of the Stirling University research were released a day before a Scottish Parliament debate at which ministers are likely to pledge extra cash for treatment services to ensure users remain clear of drugs.
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