Kingston Police arrest 133 in summer crackdown on open-air drug use

Kingston Police made 133 arrests between May and August in a joint initiative targeting open-air drug use. A second phase focused on Belle Park begins in October.

Kingston Police and partners make 133 arrests in summer drug enforcement drive

Kingston Police, working alongside Addiction & Mental Health Services (AMHS-KFLA) and the City of Kingston, carried out a coordinated summer enforcement initiative targeting open-air drug and substance use across the city, thewhig.com reports.

The operation ran from May 29 to August 31 and included six high-enforcement deployment days, drawing on 34 officers for a combined total of 240 hours. Officers made 133 arrests over that period — 110 related directly to open-air drug use and 23 for other offences, including outstanding warrants and provincial violations.

Beyond arrests, officers recorded 229 proactive interactions with individuals whose behaviour was creating public safety concerns or affecting nearby businesses and residents. In those cases, people were directed away from affected areas and, where appropriate, connected with health, housing, addiction and mental health services.

Officers also removed abandoned drugs, drug paraphernalia and other hazardous materials from public spaces during high-visibility patrols throughout areas that had seen elevated calls for service related to substance use, social disorder and overdose risk.

"Public safety and compassion are not competing objectives," said Kingston Chief of Police Adam MacIntosh. "A coordinated response requires us to address criminal activity and behaviours that create risk, while also recognising when individuals need access to appropriate services and support. Our officers have worked with community partners to strike that balance and contribute to safer public spaces for everyone."

Betty Jo Dean, CEO of AMHS-KFLA, said the partnership allowed each agency to contribute distinct expertise. "People experiencing homelessness, mental health or substance use challenges need meaningful connections to the supports available to them. By working together with Kingston Police and other partners, we can each bring our unique expertise to the table, build trust and connect people to services," Dean said. "We are grateful for the opportunity to be part of this initiative to support a compassionate approach to individual well-being and stronger communities."

Building on the summer results, Kingston Police and the City of Kingston are set to launch a second phase of the initiative beginning in October. That phase will centre on Belle Park and the surrounding area, with dedicated patrols and an increased policing presence. Stated objectives include reducing the exploitation of vulnerable individuals, enhancing safety for people using or working in the area, responding to public safety risks, supporting city staff and community organisations, and connecting individuals with appropriate services wherever possible.

Lanie Hurdle, Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Kingston, said the expanded effort reflects a cross-agency model. "Improving public safety and supporting vulnerable individuals takes a coordinated, cross-agency approach. We're happy to work alongside our valued partners so we can better connect more people to services that meet their needs, respond proactively to concerns in and around Belle Park, and create coordinated solutions that improve public safety for everyone," Hurdle said.

Officials described the next phase as intended to maintain a consistent and proactive public safety presence while deepening collaboration between police, municipal staff, health and social-service providers, and community organisations.

Source: Google News JM — Kingston