Further to Media Release for Thursday, October 29, 2026

Safer Public Spaces Focused Patrol

Over the past two days (October 27 and 28, 2026), frontline officers with the Peterborough Police Service conducted focused patrols targeting open drug use in local parks and public spaces in the downtown. 

The patrol was part of the Peterborough Police Service Safer Public Spaces approach and the result of ongoing complaints from the community.

Officers on foot patrol, bike patrol and in some cases with assistance from the RPAS Unit providing an eyes in the sky perspective were in James Stevenson Park, Quaker Park, Stewart Street Park and a bridge along the trail near Murray Street and McDonnel Streets. 

As a result:

• 20 people were arrested for possession of a controlled substance:  drugs/paraphernalia were seized and destroyed
• No charges were laid (available option under the Safer Public Spaces approach)
• 17 Provincial Offence Notice tickets were issued for Trespassing

The officers engaged in many conversations with individuals explaining the purpose of the focused patrol and offered educational information as well as advice on where to seek counselling resources.  

“This type of focused patrol is part of our ongoing commitment to community safety in our public spaces such as city parks and trails.  Residents should know that these patrols are ongoing and will continue throughout the year. Our frontline officers also make referrals to our Addictions Specialist Team.”

“I have been clear from the start; I have no tolerance for illicit drug use in and around our public spaces. It is illegal and we cannot normalize such behaviour. We have tremendous community partners who are engaged in providing medical assistance to those who engage in this activity or who are addicted to illicit substances. The police role is, and always will be, enforcement of the law. We can’t be everywhere all the time, but make no mistake, when we can get there, we will take action. My orders are clear; there is no discretion on arrest. Officers always maintain the discretion on laying charges where appropriate and based on the circumstances. The men and women of this police service are equally dedicated to community safety, and I am grateful for the work they are doing each and every day” – Stuart Betts, Chief of Police, Peterborough Police Service

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.

Safer Public Spaces (only) Statistics (2023-2026)

• Calls for Service: 1962
• Arrest Count: 293
• Charges Laid: 202
• Area with most Calls for Service: Downtown
• 88% of Calls for Service were citizen-generated

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.

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