Changes in Peterborough’s Approach to Open Drug Use

On Tuesday, police in London, Ont., introduced a new strategy for handling open drug use, using Peterborough as an example of this policy.

The main idea behind the approach is straightforward: instead of ignoring someone smoking or injecting drugs on the sidewalk or in a doorway, officers will stop and inform them that they can’t use illegal drugs in public but can seek assistance.

Mental health and addiction specialists will collaborate with foot patrol officers in London as they cover downtown, midtown, and Old East Village. The police hope this will make the public feel safer and improve the city’s appearance.

spoke with Peterborough police Chief Stuart Betts, who previously served as deputy chief in London. He was among the first in Ontario to take action against open drug use when this initiative began in October 2023. In Peterborough, mental health workers aren’t involved, but officers can help connect individuals with community resources.

Why did Peterborough implement an open drug use policy?

The zero-tolerance strategy emerged from community concerns, particularly regarding downtown Peterborough.

“People were complaining that they didn’t feel safe and open-air drug use was happening with a great deal of frequency in our parks, playgrounds, bus stops, bus shelters, and business storefronts, not unlike what you’re seeing in London,” Betts said.

A similar plan was put into place in Edmonton starting September 2023; police chiefs from both areas communicated to discuss effective strategies.

What was the approach?

Much like London’s program, this one is based on compassion toward individuals 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 mentioned. “It’s the designated location where people can use this. It’s also situated right downtown. So the plan is that open-air drug use won’t be allowed outside of the consumption and treatment site.”

The police chief of London didn’t clarify whether officers would guide individuals to this city’s supervised consumption site.

In Peterborough, officers are instructed not only to respond to reports of open drug usage but also actively seek out those individuals.

“We simply approach people and say, ‘Listen, there’s a controlled drug consumption site. You will go there to use your drugs. Failure to comply would result in 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 gets arrested during these encounters their drugs may be confiscated.

“They would then be released unconditionally and sent on their way. But they’re now leaving without their drugs,” Betts explained.

When you allow a certain behaviour, that behaviour is going to continue. Once they know it’s not allowed, they will move on.- Peterborough police Chief Stu Betts

Betts emphasized that pressing charges should be a last resort since he didn’t want to further criminalize those already struggling with addiction or other challenges.

“My approach was take your drugs; go where you’re allowed to use them. If you don’t comply you’ll leave this interaction without your drugs; however we won’t further criminalize you.”

Is it working in Peterborough?

Betts keeps track of everything-arrest numbers, reasons for arrests , interactions with people , times of day , and days of week-so officers can adopt proactive measures. They also monitor overdoses along with instances where Narcan has been used by officers or emergency services teams for reversing opioid overdoses temporarily.

“I wanted to understand if we’ve created more problems than we’re trying to address when it comes to health,” Betts remarked about pushing users into hidden spaces away from help during overdoses.

“The concern was you’d end up killing people because they’d retreat into dark alleys where nobody could come save them. That hasn’t turned out to be true.”

Overall , the count of overdose incidents along with fatal overdoses has decreased significantly. Most individuals comply when asked by officers about moving their usage elsewhere.

“Fewer than one per cent are non-compliant,” noted Betts adding only 33 arrests occurred since October 2023 after countless police interactions.

“When you let certain behavior slide , that behavior continues. Once folks realize it’s unacceptable they’ll move along. I believe most people want follow rules.”

Does downtown Peterborough look , feel safer now ?

“I’m not claiming everything’s perfect , but I can assure you there’s been some change here. People have expressed ‘don’t halt these efforts ‘” says Betts.

Whenever someone reports seeing someone using drugs an officer aims response within an hour ; if unable they’ll return call apologizing later.

“If you’ve reached out directly we’ll always try getting back promptly ,” stated Betts explaining “eighty-nine percent” responses stemmed directly due citizen outreach requests.”

What challenges have arisen ?

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