Ice users facing jail for minor offences will be able to avoid being locked up if they agree to an intensive treatment program to be trialled by police in the western suburbs.
If offenders complete the program all relevant charges will be dropped.
But police warn that those who take part, must meet strict criteria.
Melton police’s Inspector Kathy Rudkins said the program was aimed at early intervention for first-time, non-violent offenders.
“By the time you process people and get them into court, their [ice] use has got worse and their life is out of control,” she said.
Inspector Rudkins said program participants would receive 15 free counselling sessions through Djerriwarrh Health Services. She expects other counselling services to get on board.
Participants requiring further help would be assisted to enter rehabilitation.
“It’s all about early intervention,” Inspector Rudkins said. “Melton’s no worse than anywhere else [for ice offences] and while these people are committing crimes, they do need help to minimise their risk of reoffending.
“It’s easy for people to say we should throw all ice users in jail … until it’s one of their family or someone they know. If you look at the people who have got into ice, they have lost money, jobs and family.”
Bacchus Marsh mother Julie said she tried in vain to get help for her son.
She spent $30,000 on private treatment in Geelong last year, but her son has since relapsed.
“We had to pay thousands up front on the first day and the rest within two weeks,” she said. “We put it on the credit card, but others I know had to draw down on their mortgage or use superannuation money.
“I think this program is a really good idea and will help my son if he ever got into a situation that warranted it.
“They are ice addicts and I believe they offend because they’re using, not because that’s the kind of people they are.”
Julie welcomed the diversion program but feared some people may use it to dodge jail.
“But if they can save just one person from reoffending then it’s a good thing,” she said.
So far no offenders have met the criteria to begin the program.
Visit www.djhs.com.au for counselling information.
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