WithYou responds to HMICS report on police drug harm reduction in Scotland

On 11 December 2025, His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland (HMICS) published a report  on how Police Scotland tackles drug harm. The report finds that:

• The Thistle safer consumption facility in Glasgow is playing a valuable role in reducing drug-related harm
• Police Scotland has achieved a positive cultural shift, with over 12,500 officers carrying naloxone and demonstrating greater empathy and trauma-informed practice
• Scotland needs clearer guidance on balancing public health with enforcement, and a more consistent, whole-system approach across the country

Louise Stewart, Director for Scotland at WithYou, says:

“We welcome this HMICS report and its recognition that The Thistle is playing a valuable role in reducing drug-related harm in Glasgow. 

“Since opening, around 500 people have used the facility, with over 5,500 injections recorded. Staff have also responded to more than 60 medical emergencies, and everyone survived. These are real lives being kept safe, and the drug checking service that's now been approved will strengthen this work even further.

“We're encouraged by the positive shift in police culture the report highlights. Officers carrying naloxone and working alongside community services shows what's possible when we take a public health approach. This kind of partnership working makes a genuine difference to people who need support.

“But the report also makes clear that Scotland needs greater consistency in drug harm reduction, with everyone pulling in the same direction, including health services, local authorities, police, and organisations like ours.

“People affected by substance use need to know they can access support without fear or judgement. Tackling stigma is essential to making this happen. 

“That means putting public health at the heart of how we respond to drug use, not just in policy documents but in everyday practice. It means sustained funding for the services that build trust and help people stay safe. And it means all of us working together with a shared purpose.

“As Scotland's largest third-sector provider of drug and alcohol services, we support more than 14,000 people every year. We see every day what can be achieved when people are met with compassion instead of judgement, and when services work together to provide joined-up support.

“The Thistle shows what's possible. Now we need to build on that foundation across Scotland, backed by long-term commitment and the resources to make it happen.”