Police in Ontario city taking different course to tackle public drug use [Video]

The London Police Service (LPS) is rolling out a new strategy to address open-air drug use in public spaces, with a focus on “compassionate, innovative and resourceful” tactics to curb the ongoing crisis.

“Drugs and drug-related crime remain the top policing concern identified by our community,” said Chief Thai Truong during a press conference earlier Tuesday.

Recent concerns from the community have sparked the decision to implement urgent action from LPS to manage open-air drug use in the city.

Starting this week, more officers will patrol on foot, with some teams paired with mental health experts from CMHA and practicing nurses.

The new approach will involve using more compassionate methods to deal with drug use in a long-term way, rather than enforce and arrest.

Police say the new approach involves getting authorities to engage with people using drugs, connecting them to resources, and avoiding criminalizing addiction.

“If somebody is using drugs in open air in …