The data was obtained by the BBC through a Freedom of Information request submitted by the Howard League for Penal Reform. It shows that while all forces are following the correct protocols for drug and alcohol screening along with assessing a suspect’s mental health, not all forces ask a suspect if they have or have ever had a gambling problem.
Four Out of 10 Police Forces Failing to Screen Suspects for Gambling Addiction Four Out of 10 Police Forces Failing to Screen Suspects for Gambling Addiction“The police have got a lot to do – we have to recognise that – but this not a terribly difficult thing to do. This is something that can be added to the screening processes. We want people to be aware of this problem.”
In one instance, Ben Jones, a man from Nottinghamshire, stole £374,000 (€438,391) to feed his gambling addiction. However, he was not asked about the possibility of a gambling problem when he was arrested.
He then received a three-year sentence, in 2019, and found there was no gambling addiction program available in prison.
“They have drug-recovery and alcohol-recovery programmes but nothing for gambling so the only support I could get was by going to AA [Alcoholics Anonymous meetings] because that was the only support I could get,” he says.
The Ministry of Justice told BBC News:
Four Out of 10 Police Forces Failing to Screen Suspects for Gambling Addiction“We understand the costs of gambling addiction to society, which is why prisoners are assessed and can be referred to treatment services when needed.
New guidance has also been put in place for staff, so they are better equipped to deal with gambling addicts. “We continue to work with groups across the criminal-justice system, to explore what further treatment for gambling addiction should be put in place for those in prison or on probation.”
“We recognise there is still work to be done in this field and are gathering best practice from forces on early screening of gambling addicts, offering the right support and signpost to where they can seek further help. This approach requires partnership working, as police intervention often comes at a very late stage.
Therefore, we will continue to work with our partners to provide the support that anyone with a gambling addition requires.”
