Other Drug Intervention Requirement (ODIR)

What is an Other Drug Intervention Requirement (ODIR)?

The Other Drug Intervention Requirement (ODIR) Scheme is a WA Police Diversion initiative that aims to divert eligible individuals charged with simple drug offences into treatment. If issued an ODIR by Police there is a requirement to complete three Other Drug Intervention Sessions (ODIS) within a 42 day period.

While the ODIR Scheme does not apply to simple offences for cannabis or cannabis related drug paraphernalia which are covered under the Cannabis Intervention Requirement scheme, it does apply to cannabis resins, oils and synthetic cannabinoids.

An ODIR can only be issued to an adult, and only on a single occasion. Subsequent simple drug offences will be prosecuted through the courts.

ODIR recipients who have received a CIR are still eligible for an ODIR. Similarly, ODIR recipients may still be issued a CIR (if eligible).

What can I do if I receive an Other Drug Intervention Requirement (ODIR)?

If issued an ODIR by Police there is a requirement to complete three Other Drug Intervention Sessions (ODISs) within a 42 day period. To book your first session please call the Booking Service on;

1800 722 362, 7:00am-7:00pm, 7 days a week.

If you are unable to complete the requirement within the specified time you can apply in writing to Police for an extension and will be granted one if you prove there are extenuating circumstances. An Application for Extension of Time to Complete a Other Drug Intervention Requirement can be downloaded from the WA Police website at www.police.wa.gov.au under their Online Services.

What are Other Drug Intervention Sessions (ODIS)?

Other Drug Intervention Sessions (ODIS) are three individually focused, 60 minute sessions with a trained alcohol and drug counsellor. The sessions provide you with an opportunity to consider your drug use in a supportive and respectful environment and to seek further help if required.

You must complete all three sessions within a 42 day period. Attendance of all three sessions within the 42 day compliance period satisfies the requirement of the Other Drug Intervention Requirement (ODIR) and no further Police action is required.

To book your first session please call the Booking Service on 1800 722 3622, 7:00am-7:00pm, 7 days a week.

You will receive information about how drug use may affect your health and personal life, and how to make changes to your drug use.

You can also expect to:

improve your personal decision-making skills relating to drug use;
consider the harms associated with your drug use and how to minimise these;
consider changing your drug use and how to do this; and
receive information about how to access further support and assistance if required.

Further to this:

you will not be drug tested or have a urine sample taken;
the sessions are confidential;
the sessions are not intelligence gathering for the Police;
Police will not be present at any of the sessions; and
the session(s) are not a lecture or preaching session.

Will the police be told what I say during an Other Drug Intervention Session (ODIS)?

No. The counsellor conducting the session is not employed by the Police. The matters you discuss during the sessions are confidential. The Police will only be advised about whether or not you complete the sessions.

Booking and attending an Other Drug Intervention Session (ODIS)?

Some considerations for when you attend your ODIS:

Please call the Booking Service on 1800 722 362 to book in your first session;
make sure you attend all three sessions within 42 days from the date your ODIR was issued;
bring a copy of the ODIR to the session;
mention any special requirements (e.g. interpreter services) you may have at the time of booking your session;
actively participate in the whole session;
if you are under the influence of alcohol or other drugs you will not be permitted to undertake the sessions(s);
you will be required to certify that you are the person to whom the ODIR was issued.

Accepted forms of photo identification include:

a current driver’s licence;
a current passport;
18+ identification card; and/or
other form of photo ID.

At the end of the three sessions, WA Police will be notified that you have completed the sessions.

What happens if you don't attend the three other drug intervention sessions (ODIS)?

If the 42 day period has expired and you have not completed the three required sessions or elected to have the matter heard and determined in court the offence will be prosecuted through the courts and you may be charged.