Let the sniffer dogs roam free especially in the South Stand. We all knows it goes on unless we have a very large gay community going into the toilets 2 by 2. Bit of WD 40 on the top of the cistern maybe a start.
We do have a very large gay community although assuming that they would be interested into the toilets for sexual relations is wholly inappropriate and representative of a very backwards and harmful attitude.
WD-40 on the top of the cistern may be something that nightclubs have used, but does not prevent users as 'bumps' of cocaine are often 'keyed' (snorted from a key or coin dipped into the bag)
It’s easy to target who to search, just look for the d1ckheads wearing knock off stone island.
Targeting fans based on their dress sense.. I don't think that is a sensible approach to take to be honest.
Sniffer dogs, searches etc impact all fans and whilst it seems like it's the simplest and most effective action to be taken (much like fencing in our fans for Billy Sharp being assaulted by a Sheffield United fan) I don't think it is the answer. Roofie mentioned on this subject that a conversation needs to be had, we do need to look more into he reasons why people are engaging in such destructive behaviour. I feel that it is part of the fan experience now (for some) and the reason for some could well be the lack of certain things in the current fan experience. (I know drugs are a worldwide issue, and there is a larger discussion to be had on the factors that create cultures of drug abuse) We as a club, as fans can only look at what we can do in relation to the club and it's nearest spheres of influence.
Firstly I honest believe that fans are taken for granted, herded into a concrete box with below par facilities. Football is very much a business now, it is very much an entertainment business intertwined with our culture and sporting excellence, achievement and tribalism. Alcohol advertisement, Gambling companies both go hand in hand with the sport, uncomfortable bedfellows perhaps.. but cocaine fits right into that area of risk, thrill seeking, and socialised drug taking (alcohol is a drug lets not forget) to not accept this is naïve at best and to move forward or attempt to create effective solutions without this in mind will be fruitless.
Whilst at university I studied crime prevention through design on the basis of preventing crime was much more cost effective that punishing crime, creating an environment that reduces the opportunities for criminal activities.. have a look at a crowded concrete box and you will see that it will create more opportunities for criminal behaviour than less crowded space with with interactions. What creates crowding? - How do we alleviate it? How do we increase interactions? How do we create an atmosphere that is conducive to a family friendly sporting environment? Don't get me wrong we should have spaces for 'Ultras' who enjoy a different experience and the family zone is better than not having a family. It doesn't take much, just a few tweaks here and there.
Crime prevention, crime reduction and most importantly reducing the effect of criminal activity on others. The last one is difficult for most to grasp because it means that you have to admit that criminal activity does occur and sometime to such an extent that policing that and punishing that is not effective.. the resources aren't there. One police officer per fan would do the trick.. plus a lifetime in prison for anyone breaking the law. It would impact on everyone's fan experience and the costs would be astronomical. (fancy paying for a copper to sit next to you all game and then paying room and board for someone having a dab in the toilets?) Americans LOVE punishment over prevention because it makes more money, more tax payers money goes into a privately owned prison system. (we seem to be more and more influenced by the wrongs of our delinquent offspring)
Sort the Bars out! Improve the beers! Decorate the concourse! Membership cards! Open up the outside of the Riverside maybe? Lots of things we can to to add value to the club, improve the matchday experience and reduce the impact and harm of any criminal activity (hopefully alleviating the behaviour completely)