Regina Police Chief Evan Bray spoke to the Board of Police Commissioners (BPC) meeting about decriminalizing simple drug possession on Tuesday..Bray said the Regina Police Service (RPS) already does not charge most people caught with small amounts of illegal drugs, even though the law requires the RPS to do so..“We’re essentially doing de facto decriminalization now at the Regina Police Service,” said Bray. .“We have worked with federal prosecutors who would prosecute simple possession and we essentially have not focused enforcement efforts on simple possession charges.”.A report on decriminalizing personal drug possession titled Decriminalization: Moving Forward from Evidence and Lessons Learned was presented to the BPC..At an August 2021 city council meeting, they commissioned the report to look at decriminalizing simple drug possession as a method of harm reduction for the city..The purpose of decriminalizing is to get people into a harm reduction program and not the criminal justice system..“Right now, we’re not charging but we don’t really have some great off-ramps in terms of diversion and that’s what I think a true community approach on this topic needs to focus on,” said Bray..In 2022, they have charged only 51 people under the Controlled Drug and Substance Act, which is down from 155 at this point in 2021..Bray said his officers can tell the difference between traffickers and personal amounts..“Our officers understand what an amount that would be used for trafficking would look like,” said Bray..Bray talked about other signs that someone is a trafficker, such as multiple phones, score sheets, or large amounts of cash..READ MORE Saskatoon considering decriminalization of personal drug possession.Barbara Fornssler, co-author and University of Saskatchewan lecturer, explained the three options to the BPC:.Option one is the status quo, it will not improve the existing problems but would save money and time..Option two is de facto decriminalization — small amounts between one and 4.5 grams would be decriminalized, which could increase burnout and stress for police officers trying to judge the amount of drugs..“What will be needed under a de facto model of decriminalization are guidelines that adequately communicate the actions and options for officers and the general public,” said Fornssler..“It’s really important to publicly communicate that option being enacted within a municipality or within a province, so the public is clear on what is actually happening, what their risks and liabilities are when accessing health services or speaking about their use of substances.”.Option three is de jure decriminalization, this option is similar to what happened in British Columbia where a formal policy and legislation get enacted..The de jure decriminalization connects people with harm reduction services and does not charge them with criminal possession..The BPC is considering the report and the next steps to take.
