SCOTLAND is considering implementing a drug diversion programme that will see those caught with small quantities of drugs referred for help rather than criminalised, it has emerged.

The move will be inspired by work started in several English cities including Durham and Bristol. Last week Thames Valley Police unveiled plans for a three-month pilot of a diversion scheme, which will see police use an app to refer those caught with small amounts of illegal drugs straight to support services.

A commitment to treat addiction as a public health rather than criminal justice issue was outlined in the Scottish Government’s updated drug strategy, launched in November.

It is now understood that Police Scotland will be looking at the potential to implement a diversionary scheme, which English research shows cuts reoffending rates and reduces police and court time, in 2019.

Statistics from the Durham scheme, known as Checkpoint, showed only 4% of those referred for support were re-convicted compared with 19% who went down criminal justice routes.

It is argued that the schemes improve life chances because people avoid getting a criminal record, which can affect employment and education opportunities. It is claimed it may even save lives – campaigners say criminalisation deters people from seeking help and encourages high risk behaviours.

With the estimated cost of imprisoning someone now at £65,000 and £40,000 for every year after that, it is argued that public savings could be substantial.

Scotland currently has the highest drug-death rates in Europe. According to figures from July this year, 934 people died as a direct result of drug overdoses, more than double the number a decade ago and two and a half times the rate UK-wide.

Last week the Transform Drug Policy Foundation teamed up with Recovering Justice, an organisation founded by those in recovery to campaign for decriminalisation, to host a solutions focused community event in Edinburgh. International guest speakers included Nanna Gotfredsen, founder of the Danish Street Lawyers organisation which was fundamental in the implementation of drug consumption rooms in Copenhagen.

The UK Home Office has repeatedly ruled out calls and plans by Glasgow politicians and charities, backed by the Scottish Government, for a consumption facility in the city.

Martin Powell from Transform’s head of campaigns, said Scotland was likely to be looking closely at the Thames Valley pilot. “I would be very surprised if Scotland doesn’t adopt this,” he said. “It is so sensible. [The Scottish Government] does talk about diversion and this is one model it could use.

“People at our community meeting this week were in favour. A lot of people there who were either bereaved or had had a child criminalised were absolutely clear that if their addiction had been treated as a public health issue it could have been very different. They might even be alive today.”

Drug policy researcher Anna Ross, said: “Diversion is actually part of the new drugs strategy. There is a commitment to it.

“The criminalisation of drug users is actually causing more harm due to the impact of having a criminal record. There are also significant cost savings to be made.”

She claimed she many people were adversely impacted by the current drug laws. “One young man of 18 was caught with a few [ecstasy] and some cannabis and had to wait for two years for the case to be seen,” she said. “He developed serious mental health problems because he didn’t know what his future held.”

“A friend of mine was sent to prison for possession as a teenager. He went in as a recreational user and came out with a heroin addiction.”

Scottish Government spokeswoman said: “Minister for Public Health, Sport and Wellbeing Joe FitzPatrick met with Transform Drug Policy and Recovering Justice representatives, and this included a discussion of the Durham and Thames Valley pilot schemes. We will follow those with interest as we develop our delivery plans for Scotland.”

“Our new alcohol and drugs strategy, which we will take forward in collaboration with stakeholders, will strengthen existing measures to support those vulnerable to drug and alcohol harm, while applying the full force of the law to hit the dealers who cause misery that blights the lives of so many.”

Chief Superintendent John McKenzie, of the Safer Communities department, said: “The strategy considers diversion opportunities at the point of arrest and sentencing. Police Scotland will continue to work with partners to contribute to the future action plan to support the delivery of the strategy.”