The View from Ottawa

2005: Turning Point Saw a dramatic increase in illegal drug use on the streets – in particular the use of crack cocaine Result was a movement among specific groups, in particular the homeless, and the mentally ill toward crack cocaine use Saw an increase in criminal activity among this group as they worked to satisfy their insatiable need for crack – street level crime increasing 2005: We saw a dramatic increase in illegal drug use on the streets – in particular the use of crack cocaine   2005-2007: The result was a movement among the homeless and mentally ill toward crack cocaine use We at the same time saw an increase in criminal activity among this group as they worked to satisfy their insatiable need for crack – the street level crime – property crime primarily led to a serious backlash against the police from the community as they felt he police were not doing enough to combat the street level crime and illegal drug activity

“If you dislike change, you’re going to dislike irrelevance more” 2007: Defining our Path “If you dislike change, you’re going to dislike irrelevance more” Integrated Drug Strategy Steering Committee Adopted the four pillar approach Prevention Education Enforcement Harm Reduction Adopted an 80 – 10 –10 plan While active with the other partners dealing with drug addiction in the City – sitting as a strong partner with the Integrated Drug Strategy: built upon the four legged stool or four pillar approach: prevention – education – enforcement and harm reduction   Partners agreed that although we would not always agree – we would be very open to agree on those things that we could 80-10-10, plan agreed to

Ottawa Police Service Plan Enforcement: Previously attacked drug trafficking primarily at a high level Formed a new unit to focus on street level trafficking Committed to using the DTC where possible Those charged would be banned through court order from targeted areas Victim Impact Statements being utilized Overall drug use is reported to be declining as a result of reduced access Requests for treatment on the incline Overall property crime in targeted areas has reduced significantly Ottawa Police Service embarked on an attack plan regarding three of the four pillars.   Enforcement: Previously attacked drug issue at the high-level trafficking only New unit formed specifically to attack crack cocaine dealers in the downtown core Identified that we would move anyone we could through the drug treatment court where possible That we would look to have anyone charged released on conditions banning him or her from the downtown core where our addicts are, our social agencies (Salvation Army, Mission and Shepherds of Good Hope for example) Received letters and Victim Impact statements from the social agencies and residents of the area impacted for presentation to courts Results:12 month Nov/07 to Nov/08 2100 charges laid against 425 persons include but are not limited to drug trafficking, possession of proceeds of crime, robbery, communicate for the purpose of prostitution, breach of court orders, driving offences and mischief to property. Drugs seized have been crack cocaine, marihuana, hash, oxycontin pills and mushrooms. Jail terms range from 90 days jail to 4 1/2 years prison. Many have probation conditions not to attend the area where they offended. 12 have entered Drug Treatment court program. With the assistance of the drug Unit and NHO Squads 15 residential locations closed down where drug trafficking was actively being conducted. Marked difference in the downtown core regarding open drug use and trafficking. Not one single public complaint or PSS investigation initiated against any officer in the SCU since it's inception.

Treatment: We re-focused treatment being a crime prevention tool rather than a health issue in an effort to gain support from the political “right” Took risks based on community needs – and of course organizational needs Focused energy from Chief’s office on receiving support for youth drug treatment facilities – pushed the envelope politically…….. success Treatment: Example: Crime prevention: I said last year that the greatest crime prevention tool this city will invest in will be a full fledged and operational 24/7 drug/substance abuse treatment centre 1 addict = many crimes – think about the possibilities = not typical for the police to get involved in a health issue but……….. this is more than a health issue

Prevention/Education Worked with partners in schools and counseling centres to enhance counseling and education opportunities Identified partners to deal with the issues raised and problems that we were facing in reducing drug use, or helping young people get away from drugs Focused on educating parents through public consultation, town halls, school meetings and community engagement

Prevention/Education Worked on the enhancement and implementation of restorative justice practices for young offenders involved in drug or drug related activity Using assessment tool to identify success potential of offenders Raising 3 million dollars for the development of a legacy fund to enhance counseling services in area high schools for 18 years Police service is working with all community partners to enhance access to treatment, education and prevention methods where possible

Harm Reduction Although the police have very little official capacity regarding harm reduction we do support the programs including but not limited to: Needle exchange Methadone program Joint team developed to manage expectations and deal with conflicts that often arise between police officers and street teams Although there are challenges with the police reaction to the harm reduction programs we do accept that from a medical perspective it is necessary