“We have taken a very compassionate approach to those afflicted with addiction and while we have always had the authority to arrest, in our effort to pursue a compassionate health-first approach, we opted to educate and direct people to the CTS versus using in our public spaces,” said Chief Stuart Betts. “For many, this approach was met with cooperation; however, some continue to engage in this behaviour which negatively impacts people and businesses in our community, and disproportionately so in our downtown. For this reason, I am directing that officers move to the next level of response in an effort to address a persistent problem in our community. Officers will be directed to arrest anyone found using illicit substances in public spaces, and any illicit drugs will be seized for destruction, or submitted for analysis and evidence to support any charges laid. This will continue to be done with compassion, but we will not tolerate open-air illicit drug use; an approach which is in keeping with the provisions of the new Safer Municipalities Act, 2025”
If Police attend or observe anyone using illicit drugs in public spaces, officers will approach and arrest if an offence is taking place. This will necessitate handcuffing the individual, searching them and following common law authority. The individual may be either released unconditionally (without their drugs) or proceeded with charges, which may require transport to the police station or release at the scene, as prescribed by law according to the Peterborough Police.
