ABOUT THE APCDLO

The History of the Association

The Association of Police Controlled Drugs Liaison Officers (APCDLO) was established in 2000 by a small group of officers aiming to improve collaboration with other police departments and partner agencies, while promoting best practices at both national and regional levels.

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To achieve this goal, the APCDLO forged connections with the former Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) Drugs Committee. The significance of these connections was highlighted during the Shipman Inquiry, in which the APCDLO, through Mike Beard from GMP, actively participated, contributing to the implementation of its recommendations.

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Starting with modest annual conferences attended by about 30 individuals, the APCDLO has grown significantly, now enjoying full support, from the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC). It has evolved into a professional body that organizes highly sought-after annual conferences and events.

These best practice events attract considerable interest from industry partners across various sectors, including regulatory bodies and healthcare providers. (Click here to register your interest to attend)

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Initially, until late 2006, the Association focused on inspecting retail pharmacy outlets and certain hospital pharmacies to ensure compliance with the Misuse of Drugs and Safe Custody Regulations pertaining to controlled drugs.

However, with the implementation of the Health Act 2006 effective from January 1, 2007, there was a shift towards greater police involvement in investigating offences, intelligence gathering, and fostering partnerships. This was particularly evident through the establishment of Controlled Drug Local Intelligence Networks (CD-LINs).

Each CD-LIN is overseen by an Accountable Officer (AO), responsible for establishing local intelligence networks and adverse incident panels within their respective Local Area teams. These networks involve regulatory and inspection partners, as well as the police.

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The primary focus of CDLOs is the policing of controlled drugs within Health, specifically addressing offences related to pharmaceutical controlled drugs and their safe management. Offences such as those involving bogus doctors, the sale of non-controlled drugs, theft of miscellaneous items from healthcare premises, and fraud, all fall outside their purview.

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CDLOs frequently collaborate with police colleagues and investigators on inquiries beyond their specific mandate.

The work of CDLOs is guided by several pieces of relevant legislation, including:

• Misuse of Drugs Act 1971

• Health Act 2006

• Controlled Drugs (Supervision of Management and Use) Regulations 2006

• Misuse of Drugs (Safe Custody) Regulations 1973

• Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001

• Medicines Act 1968

Additionally, cases involving the misappropriation of controlled drugs are often investigated under the Theft Act 1968.