Drug testing on arrest extended to Brighton

People arrested in Brighton on suspicion of a range of offences are to be tested for drugs at the city's custody centre.

Adults arrested for crimes linked to abuse, such as drug offences, fraud or theft will be tested.

The new powers introduced on Monday will also be used for other offences if it is suspected use of a class A drug caused or contributed to the crime.

Testing on arrest has been in operation for more than a year in Hastings.

'Tackle addictions'

Sussex Police said the aim was to get drug users out of crime and into treatment.

The force will work with health and social care charity Crime Reduction Initiatives and Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.

Offenders who test positive will be assigned a drug worker.

"The ethos behind this work is to tackle the drug addictions of those that commit crime within the city," said Det Insp Mick Jones.

"It provides an opportunity for offenders to address their addictions with suitably qualified drug workers."

All 43 police forces in England and Wales were given powers by the Home Office last year to carry out drug tests after arrests.