The initiative, in partnership with Addictions and Mental Health Services KFLA, wrapped up on Sept. 3.
A new Kingston Police initiative aimed at curbing open-air drug use has produced measurable results over the summer of 2025.
The Community Engagement Substance Use Support Initiative ran from May 23 to Sept. 3 in partnership with Addictions and Mental Health Services KFLA.
The goal was to address public drug use while offering support services instead of criminal charges.
Police arrested individuals using drugs in public, seized their drugs, and released them without charges. Each person was offered a voluntary referral to addiction support. In total, officers responded to 102 incidents involving 136 individuals, leading to 104 arrests. Only five arrests resulted in criminal charges, all related to other offences like theft or possession of stolen property.
Twenty-four individuals accepted referrals for help with addictions. Most activity was centered in the downtown core, especially around Artillery Park.
The initiative also saved a life when an officer administered NARCAN during an overdose. Kingston Police say they will continue using these principles moving forward.
Story by Bob Perreault
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