Police Tackle Open Drug Use in Peterborough

When the London, Ont., police announced their new strategy for handling open drug use on Tuesday, they pointed to Peterborough as an example for this approach.

The core idea behind the police method is straightforward: Instead of passing by someone smoking or injecting drugs in public spaces, officers will stop and inform them that using illegal drugs openly isn’t allowed, but help is available.

Mental health and addiction specialists will join foot patrol officers in London as they monitor downtown, midtown, and Old East Village areas. The police hope this initiative will make the public feel safer and keep the city looking tidy.

spoke with Peterborough police Chief Stuart Betts, who previously served as deputy chief in London. He was the first in Ontario to actively address open drug use when this effort began in October 2023. In Peterborough, while mental health workers aren’t directly involved, officers can assist individuals in finding community resources.

Why did Peterborough introduce an open drug use policy?

The zero-tolerance strategy came about after community concerns were voiced, particularly regarding downtown Peterborough.

“People were saying they didn’t feel safe due to frequent open-air drug use happening in our parks, playgrounds, bus stops, bus shelters, and business fronts-much like what you’re seeing in London,” Betts said.

A similar initiative launched in Edmonton back in September 2023, prompting discussions between the two police chiefs about what strategies were effective and which weren’t.

What was the approach?

This program focuses on a compassionate response towards those who use drugs. According to Betts, open drug use had been tolerated for too long.

“We have a consumption and treatment site here in the city,” Betts explained. “It’s designated as a location where people can safely use drugs. It’s located right within our downtown area. So we’re saying that open-air drug use isn’t acceptable anywhere else but at this site.”

The police chief from London didn’t clarify whether local officers would direct individuals to their supervised consumption site.

In Peterborough, officers are instructed not only to react to reports of people using drugs publicly but also to actively seek out these individuals.

“We simply approach people and say, ‘Listen, there’s a controlled drug consumption site. You need to go there if you want to use your drugs. If you don’t comply and continue doing what you’re doing, it could lead to an arrest,'” Betts stated.

London police Chief Thai Truong announces what the force is calling ‘open-air’ drug enforcement plans at a news conference on Tuesday. Mayor Josh Morgan looks on in the background. (Kate Dubinski/ )

If someone does get arrested, any illegal substances can be confiscated.

“They would then be released without conditions and sent on their way-though now they’d be leaving without their drugs,” Betts mentioned.

When certain behaviors are permitted; those behaviors tend to persist. Once people understand it’s not allowed anymore-they’ll move along.- Peterborough police Chief Stu Betts

Pursuing charges would be an absolute last resort because Betts wants to avoid criminalizing anyone already facing addiction or other struggles.

“My stance is simple: take your drugs away and go where you’re allowed to use them. If you choose not to comply with that request-you won’t have any drugs when you leave this encounter-but we won’t further criminalize you.”

Is it working in Peterborough?

Betts keeps detailed records-tracking how many individuals are arrested , why they’re arrested , who they’ve interacted with , times of day , and days of week -to help guide proactive policing efforts. They also monitor overdoses and how often officers or emergency services administer Narcan , which temporarily reverses opioid overdoses.

“I wanted clarity on whether we’ve created more issues than we’ve solved regarding health ,”Betts remarked , concerned that pushing users into hiding might prevent access for lifesaving assistance during an overdose.

“The worry was that you’d end up putting lives at risk because people may resort to hidden spots where no one could help them. That hasn’t turned out to be true.”

Overall , the rate of both drug overdoses and fatal overdoses has decreased significantly , and most individuals comply with requests from officers regarding moving their usage elsewhere.

“Fewer than one percent of users are non-compliant ,”Betts noted. Since October 2023 alone , only thirty-three arrests have taken place following hundreds of interactions made by law enforcement officials.

“When you permit specific actions; those actions will continue over time. As soon as individuals realize something isn’t permissible-they’re likely going elsewhere. I genuinely believe most people prefer adhering strictly guidelines.”

Does downtown Peterborough look safer now?

“I’m not claiming it’s flawless-but I can confirm there’s been positive change happening here ; people frequently mention ,’Keep it up!'”said Betts.

If someone contacts us about witnessing drug activity-we guarantee an officer will arrive within an hour; if unable -we’ll follow-up with them promptly via phone call along with apologies.”

“If you’ve taken time out-of-your-day contacting us-we’ll prioritize getting back connected promptly,”Betts expressed.”Eighty-nine percent of calls answered by us result from direct reports originating from citizens.”

What challenges have arisen?

Officers needed adjustments toward focusing more heavily upon arrests near specific sections surrounding lower-barrier shelters where large gatherings occurred-increasing call rates drastically from two hundred forty-four calls yearly jumping towards seven hundred eighty-nine annually resulting complaints rising substantially across that area making urgent action necessary.

“I engaged directly with shelter management who admitted once patrons exit premises; there’s little recourse available hence directing my staff members instructed ensure proper action occurs against offenders upon exiting grounds regardless once apprehended releasing them immediately following seizure pertaining contraband items encountered during such incidents.”

This particular section has reported improvements according To Bets since these changes took place.”

An additional hurdle faced consisted around enforced restrictions concerning allowable methods used inside sanctioned consumption sites prohibiting smoking while permitting injectables exclusively This posed challenges given prosecutions expressed reluctance engaging low-level possession cases despite interest lies preventing further punitive measures targeting vulnerable persons existing under substantial hardship-as reflected through directives issued redirecting clients alternate locations fulfilling needs instead helping mitigate risks posed overall smoothly transitioning situations occurring throughout these communities.”

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