GREATER Manchester Police is supporting a national week-long campaign to highlight the impact of alcohol on policing.

A binge drinking culture of people who want to go out and get as drunk as they can, as quickly as they can and as cheaply as they can which in turn puts a massive strain on police, health and other services.

Excessive drinking increases the likelihood of committing a crime or becoming a victim and police are calling for more to be done to tackle the harm alcohol causes within communities.

The initiative has been launched by the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) to coincide with the arrival of freshers.

Throughout the week operations will be taking place and officers will be visiting licensed premises, takeaways and drinking hotspots to ensure people are drinking responsibly.

Police will be patrolling halls of residence and student areas as well as visiting licensees and engaging with football supporters on matchdays.

Chief Constable Sir Peter Fahy and ACPO Vice President said: “Greater Manchester has a vibrant night time economy which is booming, particularly during the fresher’s week period.

“However, with this comes a binge drinking culture of people who want to go out and get as drunk as they can, as quickly as they can and as cheaply as they can which in turn puts a massive strain on police, health and other services.

“Cheap drink and later opening hours only adds to the problem and means that officers are spending their time dealing with alcohol-fuelled violence and antisocial behaviour which blights communities and wastes resources.

“It is no secret that police forces have to make huge savings and we need strong action to be taken against alcohol so we can reduce crime, offending and provide decent members of the public with a more efficient and effective police service.”

Officers will be using social media throughout the week to highlight their experiences of dealing with alcohol-related incidents.  Follow the conversation using the hashtag #InFocus

On Friday 20 September 2013 a twitterchat will take place whereby members of the public will be able to ask questions and discuss their concerns about alcohol. Follow @GMPolice between 1pm and 3pm and use the hashtag #AskGMP to join in the conversation.