(Alberta Association of Chiefs of Police)

By Daniel Barker-Tremblay

Alberta Association of Chiefs of Police

AACP not in support of decriminalization of personal possession

Jan 22, 2022 | 8:53 AM

Officials with the Alberta Association of Chiefs of Police (AACP) say they do not currently support the decriminalization of illicit drugs, without the required supports being in place.

The organization made the remarks following a media availability held virtually this week, which included such participants as Mark Neufeld, Chair of the Alberta Association of Chiefs of Police, Medicine Hat Police Service Chief Mike Worden, and Blood Tribe Police Service Chief Brice Iron Shirt.

The event was held in response to several ongoing discussions about decriminalization across Alberta.

AACP officials say decriminalization cannot be considered seriously until provincial regulations are established around key concerns such as consumption around minors, public consumption and disorder regulations, and operation of vehicles.

The AACP say this must be done by balancing the needs of the individual, with the needs of the broader community.

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“We cannot support a broadly implemented policy of decriminalization until a modernized public policy framework is created involving a thoughtful and integrated approach with all levels of government and across all ministries,” reads a statement from the organization.

“To a large degree, decriminalization is already in place in Alberta. Individuals are typically only charged with personal possession if it is within the context of a greater public safety concern or associated with other criminal conduct,” the statement continues.

“Decriminalization on its own will not reduce addiction or overdose rates. There must be clear and working pathways pre-established between law enforcement and public health systems to lead to recovery, with a thoughtful approach on addressing the needs of rural and diverse communities.

“Law enforcement in Alberta does not criminalize addiction. We recognize that addiction and substance abuse are complex public health issues, and we are committed to working with all stakeholders to address the needs of our communities,” the statement concludes.

“Speaking from an Indigenous policing perspective, we are currently under resourced. This lack of resources puts us in a position where we’re unable to react efficiently to any possible negative consequence to the decriminalization of possession of illicit hard drugs,” Chief Brice Iron Shirt of the Blood Tribe Police Service says. “We are currently reconstructing our own approach to the opioid crisis. We don’t recommend the decriminalization of possession of hard drugs in Indigenous policing in Alberta.”

Chief Mike Worden of the Medicine Hat Police Service provided his remarks from the perspective of a smaller rural city in Alberta.

“In 2021, there has been a dramatic increase in overdose deaths in Medicine Hat, more than double the numbers experienced in 2020. The citizens of our city recognize the struggle people are having with drugs and addiction issues, and that are looking for effective solutions and a move towards recovery. While the concept of decriminalizing drug possession may be one strategy in the fight against the public health issue, it cannot be a standalone or a singular response to this crisis,” notes Warden.

“I have spoken to many people in our community and they share an interest in showing a compassionate approach towards addiction, and ask that we develop policies and strategies that will increase recovery while insuring these policies don’t create harm in our community and that includes those that are struggling with addiction,” adds Warden. “We believe in strong health and social supports and an effective sanction model to tackle this health crisis in ours and other communities across Alberta.”