‘Great success’: London police report progress in Open Drug Use crackdown

London Police Service Board says their new strategy, only a couple months old, has had pleasing results. CTV London’s Reta Ismail has the details.

After just two months in action, London police say early results from the city’s Open Air Drug Use Strategy show encouraging signs of progress.

“A great success so far, we’re moving in the right direction,” said London Police Deputy Chief Scott Guilford.

According to data presented at the latest London Police Services Board meeting, between April 8 and May 31, officers responded to 1,280 calls for service related to the initiative. In 540 of those cases, prohibited substances were seized.

Guilford said the low number of criminal charges, just 11 during that period, is a sign the program is striking the right balance.

“It’s great to see our officers getting these substances off the street,” said Guilford. “But what’s equally encouraging is that we’re engaging with people, hundreds of them, and only a small number of those encounters have resulted in charges.”

Mayor Josh Morgan said he’s heard firsthand how the strategy is already making a difference.

“Downtown residents and business owners have told me directly they’re noticing a change,” said Morgan. “People are feeling safer, and that’s exactly what we hoped for.”

Police Services Board Chair Ryan Gauss echoed that sentiment, stressing the importance of the early data.

“This is just the beginning,” said Gauss. “There’s more work ahead, but we’re seeing positive results. People are being helped, and the community, especially in the downtown and midtown areas is feeling heard and supported.”

London police say a full review of the initial data is underway and that findings will help shape the next phase of the strategy. A follow-up report is expected in three months.