Impact of restriction on bail on offenders who use Class A drugs in Liverpool.

Restriction on Bail (RoB) is an early intervention for adult offenders who use Class A drugs (opiates and/or cocaine1), providing an opportunity to engage in treatment whilst on bail and reduce re-offending. The process in identifying offenders suitable for RoB starts with a test for Class A drugs that is carried out by the police in the custody suite following an arrest or charge. Details of the drug test are documented on the defendant’s custody record, which is submitted with the prosecution file when the defendant first appears in court having been charged. Drug test results are also communicated to the court based drugs worker in order to identify offenders who are potentially suitable for RoB, so that an assessment can be carried out to ascertain eligibility. If an offender refuses to undergo the assessment, the court has the power to refuse bail and remand the individual in custody