London police officers on foot patrol are increasingly referring individuals to support services as part of an initiative to combat open-air drug use in the city center. Despite this effort, a recent police report reveals that only a small fraction of individuals are taking advantage of these services.
The report highlights that officers frequently encounter the same individuals multiple times during their patrols, with five individuals accounting for a total of 170 interactions over a period of almost five months. These updated statistics were presented in a report during a recent meeting of the London Police Services Board, covering the timeframe from the inception of the open-air substance use strategy on April 8 to August 25.
In response to the rising instances of drug use, the police have intensified their monitoring of city buses. The strategy, initially named Project Pathways, was launched by London police with the dual objective of deterring open drug use in key areas like downtown, midtown, and Old East Village, while facilitating connections to essential support services.
To achieve this, the police increased the number of foot patrol officers in these areas, some of whom are accompanied by healthcare professionals. The foot patrol unit currently comprises twenty-seven constables, two sergeants, and one staff sergeant, operating seven days a week.
Sgt. Melissa Wighton explained to the police board that the primary aim is for officers to be visible in the community, responding to complaints, engaging with individuals, and identifying problematic areas. Under this approach, officers have the authority to confiscate drugs and make arrests if faced with resistance. Since the strategy’s initiation, a total of 23 criminal charges have been filed, predominantly for drug possession and public mischief.
During this period, there were 1,450 drug seizures, with nearly 90% involving suspected fentanyl, mostly in residual amounts. Additionally, over 2,600 paraphernalia items, including more than 1,500 pipes, were confiscated by the police.
The strategy recorded a total of 2,911 service calls between April 8 and August 25, with the majority related to trespassing or ongoing drug-related activities. Notably, 73% of these calls were initiated by London police members.
While the police have referred a significant number of individuals to support services, the report indicates that the uptake remains low. Only 18% of referrals were accepted, with 63% declined and 9% with an unknown outcome. One percent of referrals were declined by agencies due to various reasons, including capacity constraints or prior bans.
Moving forward, the strategy is shifting focus towards providing targeted support to individuals with the most pressing needs, including those who have had repeated interactions with law enforcement. There will also be a more tailored enforcement approach, with a willingness to take legal action against individuals persistently disregarding directives to cease public drug use. Sgt. Oswald Nethersole, a foot patrol unit supervisor, noted a decline in open drug use and drug quantities seized, highlighting the project’s impact. Patrols on the city’s transit system have also been intensified in response to increased reports of drug-related activities.
Sgt. Nethersole emphasized the dedication of foot patrol officers to the project, stressing the importance of the initiative in addressing drug issues in the community.