Police unable to *arrest their way out* of growing ice problem (ABC)

Tasmania's police commissioner has warned police cannot "arrest their way out" of the growth in the drug ice in the community.

Tasmania has followed a national trend in the use of methamphetamine.

Darren Hine said it would take a combined effort across policing agencies to address the increasing use of ice.

"We have seen an increase in the seizures and an increase on the crimes to support a habit, it's a horrible drug," he said.

"We can't continue - from a law enforcement point of view - to arrest our way out of it.

"We've got to work with our partners to make sure we deal with from not only prevention but the cure of the problem."

He said he wants to see a continued focus on education about the damage the drug causes but the load had to be spread when it came to stamping it out.

"We've got to work with our partners in relation to Customs, Australian Federal Police, other police agencies," he said.

Tasmanian officers worked with United Kingdom police on a recent $10 million bust.

Commissioner Hine said police would also continue to focus on bikie gangs who have been involved in the importation and distribution.

"We know what they are up to, we know what they do and we know about their activities and we want to disrupt, dismantle and do what can to make sure they are not into illegal activities," he said.

Commissioner Hine downplayed the impact of the State Government's budget savings strategies.

The Government has demanded police find $42 million in savings over the next four years.

Commissioner Hine said the real ask was a much lower $2.1 million this financial year once the Government's planned public sector pay freeze was taken into account.

He told 936 ABC Hobart the target could be achieved by sharing more administrative functions with other emergency services.

Police would also review the vehicle fleet to find savings but it was unlikely to lead to a reduction in the amount of cars on the road.

"You can have smaller vehicles for jobs that don't require transporting about," he said.

"But we do need SUVs, four-wheel drives, larger patrol vehicles so we've just got to keep working through to make sure we've got those ones but also have a really good resale value and are economic as well.

"It's about looking at your fleet to make sure its running efficiently you're selling at the right time, stopping a lease at the right time....make sure the fuel economy is up to standard."

http://au.news.yahoo.com/a/-/latest/24895620/police-unable-to-arrest-their-way-out-of-growing-ice-problem/