Windsor Police are responding to questions raised in the community about public drug use and why officers aren't charging those who do it.
Explaining that while simple drug possession or public drug use can meet the threshold for arrest, many of those charges are withdrawn based on current legal and court practices.
Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens raised his concerns earlier this week, and the Windsor Police Service said it is in lockstep with the mayor and Windsor City Council on the issue.
Over the past five years, Windsor Police have laid over 500 criminal charges for drug possession. Only six per cent of those charges resulted in convictions. Another 85 per cent were withdrawn or dismissed by the courts. The cases tie up considerable police resources without delivering a meaningful public safety outcome.
"Evidence has shown that enforcement alone has limited effectiveness in changing this behaviour," said a post from Windsor Police on social media. "That's why we remain focused on a compassionate approach that supports well-being for all members of our community. Our Nurse Police Team and Crisis Response Team pairs officers with nurses and social workers to provide on-scene care in crisis scenarios, steer individuals away from the emergency department and criminal justice system, and connect them with community resources for ongoing support."
Police say they're also using available provincial legislation to guide enforcement and set expectations in public spaces.
"This can include directing individuals to leave and issuing a court summons, while still using discretion," continued the post.
Last year, the Windsor Police Drugs and Guns Enforcement Unit seized over 3,000 grams of crystal meth, 3,500 grams of oxycodone, and 4,000 grams of fentanyl.
