Sudbury police take aim at open drug use

Police in Greater Sudbury have begun an initiative aimed at improving the sense of safety downtown by targeting people who are openly using drugs.

The Greater Sudbury Police Service has launched a new 30-day initiative aimed at reducing open drug use and social disorder downtown through what it calls a compassionate, community-based approach.

The Supported First Strategy, which began this month, aims to connect people experiencing addiction with support services before considering enforcement. The initiative is part of the broader Project 360 Community Safety framework.

“Safety, however, is not solely defined by the absence of harm – it also means feeling secure, confident and respected in public spaces,” the police service said in a news release on Monday.

Police said downtown faces challenges, including open drug use, intoxication, littering, loitering, panhandling, trespassing and property crimes such as theft and mischief.

Compassion before enforcement

Under the new strategy, police are working with local organizations to engage directly with vulnerable individuals to offer pathways to housing, food and addiction treatment.

“The initiative emphasizes diversion over detention, aiming to build trust, reduce harm and foster a healthier downtown environment,” police said.

Enforcement remains an option in specific circumstances.

“Arrests are reserved for cases where individuals repeatedly decline assistance or pose a significant risk to public safety,” added police

Week 1 results

In the first week, Nov. 3-7, officers conducted 72 patrols and provided support in 42 occurrences, connecting individuals to various resources.

They also addressed 16 drug-related calls under Project 360, resulting in the seizure of 10.2 grams of crack cocaine and fentanyl, eight needles and 12 crack pipes.

Police also reported a decrease in calls for “unwanted persons,” which involves loitering, trespassing or refusing to leave private property.

These calls, classified as social disorder incidents and not criminal offences, dropped by 12 per cent compared to the same week last year and by 33 per cent compared to the previous week.

Building trust through patrols

The initiative will continue through regular foot and bike patrols. Police said the patrols allow officers to build trust with residents and business owners, respond to crimes in progress, apprehend individuals who pose elevated risks and connect vulnerable community members with essential services.

“Together, we are committed to fostering a downtown that is safe, inclusive and responsive to the needs of all,” said police.

“The Supported First Initiative is a step toward 360 community safety – where health, compassion and accountability work in unison.”