In an effort to enhance public safety and combat the rising challenges posed by illicit drug use in the community, the Peterborough Police Service has unveiled a comprehensive approach known as “Safer Public Spaces.” Effective as of Thursday, October 5th, this initiative reflects a no-tolerance stance towards open-air drug consumption in the city.
Chief Stuart Betts emphasized that the primary goal of this approach is not to criminalize individuals struggling with addiction but to prioritize the safety and well-being of all residents. Acknowledging addiction as an illness, the police service aims to strike a balance between compassion and promoting secure public areas for everyone.
Under the Safer Public Spaces strategy, officers are instructed to engage with individuals involved in open-air illicit drug use or respond to calls from concerned citizens promptly. The officers will direct those involved to cease their activities and relocate to a more appropriate setting. Moreover, individuals will be provided with information about available community resources should they choose to seek help.
This initiative aligns with the Community Safety Well-Being Plan, which identified a significant concern regarding residents’ feelings of safety in the community. Survey results revealed that only 48% of respondents felt safe or very safe in their community, with 71% indicating that their perceptions of safety influenced their activities in the city. To address these concerns, the Safer Public Spaces approach seeks to balance compassion with the core responsibilities of the police service, which include crime prevention and law enforcement.
To gauge the effectiveness of the Safer Public Spaces approach, the Peterborough Police Service has established key performance indicators to measure its impact. These indicators include tracking the number and types of engagements associated with the approach, the substances encountered during these encounters, and referrals to community support services such as the Consumption Treatment Site (CTS), the Mobile Crisis Intervention Team, or community programs. The police service will also assess whether arrests are necessary in specific cases.
Chief Betts emphasized the need for this approach as a response to the increase in crime severity in the city over the past five years, with much of the violent crime linked to illicit drugs. These drugs not only pose dangers to users but also contribute to a climate of violence that affects the broader community. The Safer Public Spaces approach aims to restore a sense of safety and security to the community.
As the Peterborough Police Service continues to gather data on the impact of this approach, they remain committed to engaging with key stakeholders and sharing their findings with the public. The goal is to evolve the strategy and ensure that it aligns with the community’s expectations and needs.
The full press conference from Chief Betts is available to watch on YouTube.
(Written by: Scott Arnold)