Trust, Justice, and the Urgent Need for Drug Policy Reform in Scotland

Last week, Simon McLean attended the Association of Scottish Superintendents Annual Conference alongside retired Inspector Ian Andrew, representing LEAP Scotland (Law Enforcement Action Partnership). The conference theme — "Working Smarter, Not Harder" — addressed technological advancement and operational demands in modern policing.

Throughout the gathering, a recurring theme emerged from speakers and attendees alike: trust. McLean emphasises that Scotland's policing model depends on legitimacy rooted in integrity and fairness rather than fear or dominance. This trust, he argues, must be continuously earned through transparency and accountability.

McLean poses a critical question: how can law enforcement maintain public trust while enforcing drug laws that, he contends, "do more harm than good"? He characterises Scotland's criminalisation-focused drug policy as counterproductive, arguing it has failed despite decades of aggressive enforcement and billions in spending.

The author contends that current approaches criminalise vulnerable individuals struggling with addiction while allowing organised crime to thrive. He contrasts this with the 2019 SNP resolution declaring existing drug laws "not fit for purpose" and backing decriminalisation. However, six years later, McLean observes no meaningful policy change and worrying signs of reversion toward greater criminalisation.

He references Scotland's Violence Reduction Unit as evidence that addressing crime through public health frameworks rather than punishment proves effective. McLean urges policymakers to reimagine the justice system, redirect enforcement toward criminal networks rather than users, and align policies with compassionate values before more lives are lost.