Further to Media Release for Friday, October 30, 2026

Safer Public Spaces Focused Patrol Update

Frontline officers with the Peterborough Police Service conducted another focused patrol targeting open-air illicit drug use in the early evening hours of Thursday.

The patrol was in Quaker Park on Charlotte Street with assistance of the RPAS Unit around 7:00pm on October 29, 2026.

As a result:

• 5 people were arrested for possession of a controlled substance
• No charges laid (option under Safer Public Spaces approach)
• 6 Provincial Offence Notices were issued for trespassing

Safer Public Spaces (only) Statistics (2023-2026) Updated to October 30, 2026

• Calls for Service: 2036
• Arrest Count: 323
• Charges Laid: 202
• Area with most Calls for Service: Downtown (63%)
• 88% of Calls for Service were citizen-generated
  

What is Safer Public Spaces?

This program was first initiated on October 5, 2023.  At its inception, the approach was primarily educational, Officers would respond to calls for service about open-air illicit drug use and provide education about the expectation that such activity was not permissible. The individuals would be directed to move along or go to the CTS, if appropriate, in addition to speaking with them about community resources. Failure to comply would result in an arrest. On June 9, 2025, following the education phase, the Safer Public Spaces approach moved into a new level of engagement – strict enforcement, in which those engaging in open-air illicit drug use are arrested – there are no warnings, and the nature of that engagement results in  them being released unconditionally (without their drugs) or proceeding with charges which may require transport to the police station or being released with charges at the scene. In either form of release, the drugs are seized for destruction.

One of our primary responsibilities is to ensure community safety and we will continue to pursue this for the benefit of all who frequent our parks, playgrounds, sidewalks, and other public spaces. We remain committed to working with our community partners who provide medical or other assistance in this space.

https://www.peterboroughpolice.ca/community-safety/safer-public-spaces/

Addictions Specialist Team (AST)

In January 2026, a new Addiction Specialist Team was formed within the Peterborough Police Service consisting of a police constable and an addictions counsellor. This program is a partnership between Fourcast and the Peterborough Police Service.

The team has been tasked with outreach and foot patrol to check-in with unhoused and vulnerable people in our community. They will also respond to Calls for Service such as open-air drug usage, wellbeing checks, and unwanted persons. Further, the team liaises with community partners (e.g. shelters, hospital, HART Hub services and other outreach groups) to continue to build positive relationships.

https://www.peterboroughpolice.ca/community-safety/outreach-teams/

Sandra Dueck
Manager, Strategic Communication Services
Peterborough Police Service
876@peterboroughpolice.ca
705-876-1122 x217