The chief of the Chatham-Kent Police Service has put his support behind a growing call to decriminalize the simple possession of illicit drugs.
Chief Gary Conn said he believes there needs to be an integrated approach that requires a partnership between police, health care, and all levels of government.
"I think it's fair to say that the opioid crisis is increasing across communities in Ontario and it affects everyone - families, community agencies, and the police services as well," said Conn. "I support a more health-based approach rather than a criminal approach for those caught with simple possession."
Since January, officers in Chatham-Kent have administered 35 doses of Narcan to 26 people, which has saved the lives of 22 people. However, Conn said the rising rate of opioid-related deaths across Canada has been ongoing and significant over the last decade.
"It's not just a crisis here [Chatham-Kent] but it's a crisis nationally as well," said Conn.
According to CK Public Health, a total of 15 opioid-related deaths were recorded in 2020, while more than 2,000 deaths were recorded across Ontario.
"The approach should be lead by public health," said Conn. "Public health has experts on the subject matter who can do diagnosis, ensure proper care and services are put into place for this vulnerable and marginalized sector of our community."
Possession of illicit drugs for personal use would still remain illegal, but instead of a criminal response, police would enforce non-criminal sanctions such as fines, warnings, rehabilitation, or pre-charge diversion programs. Conn added that it would allow police to direct more resources and attention to more rigorous drug offences such as trafficking, importing and exporting, and organized crime.
"When it comes to drugs, the federal government has to approve a policy to decriminalize drugs."
Earlier this month, council passed a motion to endorse decriminalizing the possession of simple drugs. The majority of council members expressed support for the motion, including Councillor Karen Kirkwood-Whyte, who said she was happy to move forward in addressing the issue.
If the federal government approved a comprehensive policy, the next step would involve determining how the policy would be implemented.
"I want to remain optimistic because of the ongoing conversations at all levels, I would hope it would be sometime in the near future," said Conn.