In Windsor, Ontario, police officers have shifted their approach towards individuals openly using illegal drugs on the streets. Instead of just driving by, they are now actively making arrests and pressing charges. While the police have always had the authority to lay drug possession charges, in 2020, federal prosecutors were advised to prioritize only serious cases for prosecution.
In the past, law enforcement in Windsor refrained from making such arrests due to the low likelihood of prosecution. However, Deputy Chief Ken Cribley revealed that the police’s stance changed following public feedback, acknowledging concerns about officers ignoring blatant drug use. This change came after criticism had been leveled at the force for failing to act on such incidents.
The Public Prosecution Service of Canada (PPSC) directed federal lawyers in 2020 to focus on prosecuting simple drug possession charges only in cases deemed “the most serious.” Despite not all Crown attorneys agreeing initially, Windsor police have started laying charges for simple possession as part of a new directive.
Regarding the response from local prosecutors to the increased number of simple possession charges, Cribley stated that the outcomes are still uncertain and that the police are monitoring the progress of these cases through the court system. The Windsor Police Service highlighted the effectiveness of its Nurse Police Team (NPT), a collaboration between an officer and a hospital nurse aimed at assisting vulnerable individuals on the streets.
Former chief Jason Bellaire is set to receive an award for innovation during an upcoming event, recognizing the success of initiatives like the NPT. Even individuals arrested for open drug use are being connected with support services, with Cribley mentioning the presence of the NPT and police working alongside social workers in these interventions.
