News
Agency participates in Drugs Awareness Day (10/11/2006)
The Youth Justice Agency was an active participant in an event held today at Londonderry Court House aimed at raising young people's awareness to the dangers of drugs.Raising awareness of the dangers of drugs will help keep young people out of a cycle of misery that could lead to prison, Criminal Justice Minister David Hanson MP said today.
The Minister was welcoming an event at Londonderry Court House today which will raise awareness that getting involved with drugs wreck lives. The event included a mock trial and a drugs bust using sniffer dogs which was watched by 70 local students.
David Hanson said, "It is vital that our young people are educated that if they take drugs it will have serious repercussions in all areas of their lives. Drug abuse damages your health, it puts severe strain on families and it will lead to a prison sentence.
“This event today is timely in reminding, not just the students here, but the whole community, that drugs are dangerous and getting involved with them could wreck not only your own life and your future, but those of your family and friends as well.”
Speaking at today's event Paula McCourt, Regional Court Administrator said,
“Today's event is an excellent example of how the criminal justice agencies can come together to help educate local young people in the very destructive and lasting impact that drug abuse can have on young people lives and the lives of their families.
“The event is designed to give the young people an insight into the reality of what happens when they get involved with drugs and then find themselves being prosecuted through the criminal justice system including the court process and possible imprisonment.
“'This type of event also gives the young people a feel for the different types of careers within the criminal justice system and this element of the programme is being supported by a Careers Fair with staff from each of the agencies on hand to give advice and information.”
Notes for editors
1. The event is being co-hosted by the Londonderry courthouse team and the “Prison Me! No Way!” team from HMP Magilligan. It is aimed towards 15 to 17 year old students and its purpose is to raise awareness of the consequences of drug abuse and the impact it could have on them, their families and their future careers.
2. This outreach event is a joint initiative hosted by the Criminal Justice System Northern Ireland (CJSNI), which is made up of seven main statutory organisations: the Northern Ireland Court Service, the Northern Ireland Office, the Northern Ireland Prison Service, the Probation Board for Northern Ireland, the Police Service of Northern Ireland, the Public Prosecution Service and the Youth Justice Agency.
3. Today’s event demonstrates how the criminal justice agencies working together can help educate young people on the very real dangers associated with taking drugs.
4. During the course of the day the pupils will witness/participate in:
- A drugs bust using sniffer dogs
- A demonstration of the drugs test police can use alongside the breath test to identify if individuals are under the influence of drugs
- A mock trial presided over by Judge Philpott.
- A Prison Me! No Way” seminar
- A drugs discussion facilitated by the Youth Justice Agency.
- A careers fair for careers in the criminal justice system.
5. In the last year the police have seized more than £7 million of drugs. The number of people arrested for drugs related offences has increased by 6.2% from 1,356 in 2004/05 to 1,440 in 2005/06.
6. Schools participating in the event are:
- Foyle and Londonderry College
- Thornhill College
- Oakgrove
- St Cecilia’s
- Lumen Christi
- Limavady Grammar School
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