 The force says arrest targets for drugs crime were exceeded |
Police in north Wales were told to stop logging intelligence on drug dealers as arrest targets had been met, a report has claimed. HM Inspectorate of Constabulary noted the instruction was later removed, but said it was "a worrying aspect of performance culture".
The report was generally favourable with burglary and vehicle crime down.
A force spokesman said the information was based on individual perceptions, and not official policy.
The report, an annual assessment of North Wales Police, stated: "In at least two of the operational divisions, officers were instructed not to put any more intelligence about drug dealing onto the system because they had achieved their annual target for arrests.
"More intelligence requires more pro-activity, which would lead to more arrests and the imposition of a more demanding target for the next performance year.
"This instruction has now been withdrawn, but reflects a worrying aspect of performance culture."
Arrest target 'exceeded'
The force is led by Chief Constable Richard Brunstrom, who has been criticised by some who believed he had liberal drugs policy.
In 2004, Mr Brunstrom called for the legalisation of all drugs, including heroin.
A North Wales Police spokesman said the force had "exceeded its arrest target for illegal drug supply by 60% during 2005-2006".
He added: "The comments contained in the inspection report were obtained during staff interviews and are based on individual perceptions rather than force or divisional policy.
"We do not rest on our laurels."
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