Mike Barton believes some Class A and B drugs should be made legal and, in some cases, handed out for free to addicts

A chief constable who wants to legalise drugs has been charged with overseeing how officers tackle the menace nationwide.

Mike Barton believes some Class A and B drugs should be made legal and, in some cases, handed out for free to addicts.

Despite his controversial views, the officer has now been quietly elected to an influential role at the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC).

The move provoked fury from critics who warned legalising drugs would simply create a new set of challenges.

Mr Barton was elected to lead ‘crime operations’ by his peers, replacing respected Merseyside chief Sir Jon Murphy.

The officer, from Durham Constabulary, has campaigned to introduce ‘consumption rooms’ where addicts can inject drugs in safety.

He also wants drugs including cocaine, heroin and cannabis to be legalised.

Simon Stephens, of Addictions UK, warned any move to decriminalise cannabis would have dire results. ‘Legalisation will simply change the nature of the problem,’ he said.

The officer has now been quietly elected to an influential role at the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC). The move provoked fury from critics who warned legalising drugs would simply create a new set of challenges

Mr Stephens added: ‘From a police point of view it makes perfect sense if we decriminalise all drugs as there will be no drug dealers, no black market and therefore no crimes.’

The NPCC, which was formed last April, replaces the discredited Association of Chief Police Officers. The organisation aims to help police cut crime and keep the public safe from the most serious threats.

Its chair Sara Thornton said Mr Barton beat two others and that she has already discussed with him the ‘importance of representing the views of the NPCC.’