DRUG WITNESSES


POLICE magazine speaks to the Drug Expert Witness & Valuation Association and learns about the vital role experts play in the criminal justice system. By Sophie Garrod


SUPPLY CHAINS BREAKING


to do reports to secure early disposal of cases, but they breach impartiality rules just to get that charging decision. “If you look at any other expert field, such as fingerprints, DNA, and forensic science, they are regulated and have their work peer-reviewed,” says Mr Gregory. “We are trying to emphasise the importance of having the same checks in place for drugs. When it comes to the price of drugs, how the market operates and the terminology, we are challenged on that in court and the evidence is unpicked.”


Subject matter experts (SMEs) on drugs are in demand at court cases, because of the changing nature of drug offences. “We are seeing a rise in the emergence of online drug purchases from China, USA, and Europe, especially hallucinogens, designer drugs, synthetic cannabinoids and benzodiazepines,” explained Dick Gregory, chair of the Drug Expert Witness & Valuation Association (DEWVA). “Forces are working closely


with agencies and Border Force to tackle importation cases, but we need SMEs to understand this side of the market to help secure convictions,” he added. Since 2009, DEWVA has provided best practice and support for officers who provide independent opinion on the drug markets, values, terminology and telephone interpretation to give courts a greater understanding of these matters. There are 1,122 qualified drugs experts in the association, which forms a national information-sharing network. Each year, DEWVA holds a professional development seminar and regional seminars on local issues. Sixteen serving and retired officers sit on the committee, working with stakeholders,


36 | POLICE | APRIL 2023


including the National Police Chiefs’ Council, the Forensic Science Regulator, the judiciary, the College of Policing and the Home Office to share intelligence and standardise training. Gus Miller, DEWVA secretary and Durham Constabulary drugs expert witness co-ordinator, explained: “The demand for drugs expert witness reports has increased


“We have started to see a rise in the emergence of online drug purchases coming in from China, USA and Europe”


each year, due to increasing demands from the CPS and courts – drugs supply cases rarely continue to court without an expert witness report.”


Along with keeping on top of evolving crime and drug trends, the association educates senior officers on adhering to legislation and regulations in utilising drugs expert witness reports. Mr Gregory, a police sergeant at South


Wales Police and the force’s drugs coordinator, said: “We are facing a few challenges with forces where senior managers are asking investigating officers


The CPS is increasingly requesting a drugs expert witness report for supply cases, according to Mr Miller, a drug trainer at Durham Constabulary. “Expert reports are often used to apply the correct level of sentencing guidelines. It is a massively important role, and it is key that senior management understands the law and processes of the provision of drugs expert reports before a case goes to court. If not, the CPS may not progress the case,” he continued. Officers can take the drugs expert witness foundation course after around two years within a dedicated drugs team, a proactive team or an organised crime team, targeting drug- related crime or providing


evidence of drug-related investigations and operations. KCs and judges have told officers they know that evidence and reports from people affiliated to DEWVA offers the right guidance and legislation information framework for credibility in court’. “There is a demand for officers to get involved. Without drugs expert witnesses, the case can fail or not offer the court the level of understanding to make effective decisions,” says Mr Gregory. “Every case must have one when it comes to supply to avoid delays.”


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52