About Jason

Why choose Jason Kew?

Jason Kew has worked in the drug treatment and policy sector for three decades and combines his education with up to date best practice and evidenced studies to deliver tailored education.

Jason is a former senior Police Officer with considerable experience and knowledge of UK drug policy.

Jason has successfully designed and implemented award winning drug diversion which steers people away from arrest and interview when found in possession of controlled drugs. His work is evidencing the effectiveness of a public health approach over a punitive one across professional sectors such as policing, government and education.

Up until recently, Jason has worked with the UK Home Office and the Ministry of Justice, advising on new drug policy, including diversion. Jason’s work has been formally recognised in published articles, international lectures and recognition from the Howard League, House of Lords and the Danish Street Lawyers, amongst others.

Recognition

Howard League for Penal Reform

https://howardleague.org/news/howard-league-community-awards-winners-revealed/

What people say about Jason Kew

Jason has made a massive impact not only locally but nationally too. His leadership and ability to influence at the most senior level, exceeds that of his position. He has shaped not only national thinking but policy development too. He has persevered when others wouldn’t and through his leadership he has saved lives, changed lives and influenced lives.
Jason Harwin
Deputy Chief Constable, National Police Chiefs Council Lead for Drugs

Former Chief Inspector Jason Kew is a champion of public safety. His drive to improve lives, make communities safer and reduce stigmatising attitudes within policing and across institutional bodies has been consistently apparent. It is for the general public good that he continues to bring his ingenuity and insight to identifying and enacting areas for improvement where the policing of drugs is concerned.
Crispin Blunt MP
Chairman of the Conservative Drug Policy Reform Group

I just wanted to extend a HUGE thank you to you all for the last two days. I honestly enjoyed the event a lot, and it’s totally down to everyone who presented such engaging and interesting talks. We have received such positive feedback from our 150 attendees.
Kate Townsend
Programme Manager, Royal College of Psychiatrists

Thank you to you for your fascinating presentation. I learnt so much and so pleased to hear about all the innovative work happening in the Thames Valley area. The volume of questions you received showed just how interested the audience were – there were so many!
Hattie Moyes
Senior Consultant, Office for Public Management Ltd

On behalf of me and the team at APCOF, The Centre for Human Rights, The Freedom from Violence Programme at the Institute for International and Comparative Law in Africa at the University of Pretoria and The Global Law Enforcement and Public Health Initiative we would like to say thank you for the time and effort spent preparing and presenting at the course last week. The feedback has been very positive and your efforts help contribute to the learning we seek to achieve.
Sean Tait
Director, African Policing Civilian Oversight Forum

Our Group provides an interface between Parliamentarians and practitioners on the frontline. We have been most grateful to Jason for the contribution he has made to the Group’s discussions in recent years. His experience and expertise have complemented views of treatment providers and other professionals across the public health and criminal justice sectors and greatly enhanced our understanding of diversion schemes. Jason’s considered and courteous responses to questions from MPs and Peers have been much appreciated. His insightful contributions have challenged assumptions about people who use drugs and the role of police in harm reduction. His evidence-based and informative interventions have enlivened our discussions and, hopefully, will help develop more enlightened policies.
Lord Ramsbotham
House of Lords

On behalf of our team I would like to thank you for your contributions to the side-event yesterday which was much appreciated by participants. We are very grateful that you took the time to participate and to share your important experience and insights with us.
Anna Giudice,
Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Officer, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime

I met Jason via a mutual contact and was immediately impressed by how open, humble, knowledgeable and experienced he was but the overarching impression he made on me related to his passion to change the world and to make things better for people. As I got to know more about Jason’s career and not only what, but how, he works – I was (and remain) constantly inspired by him. Jason really understands people and can see deeper than any outward presentations they may give. He can steer through really difficult pieces of work with compassion and kindness whilst still delivering on objectives. The impact Jason has through his day to day work and also the strategic, national roles he takes will undoubtedly save lives, give people more fulfilled futures and protect communities. If the world had more Jasons, especially in policing strategy, the world would be a better place!
Laura Furness
Head of Funding, National Lottery Community Fund
and Royal Society of Public Health