Doctor, Windsor police chief clash over injection sites

Days after Windsor’s top cop said he opposes supervised drug injection sites for fear of sparking crime in that city, London’s medical officer of health accused him of firing blanks. “Would be good if he read the research that this sort of facility does not increase crime rates,” Dr. Chris Mackie tweeted after being asked about comments made by Windsor Police Chief Al Frederick. Mackie, medical officer of health for London and Middlesex County, has worked for years to lay the groundwork for community support for supervised sites. The effort recently got the blessing of London council for two locations and the support of London police. “Our police chief has stated support publicly,” Mackie tweeted. Frederick said Friday his force will oppose opening a safe injection site in Windsor and “will enforce the law” if local agencies attempt to establish one. “Community safety is about everyone’s safety and not just the person abusing the drug,” Frederick said. “I understand the idea of safety, but can’t condone anything that supports criminal behaviour. “We will not turn a blind eye. Until the law of the land changes, I expect officers to do their job.” The Windsor Essex Community Health Centre and AIDS Committee of Windsor have applied to the province to open a temporary supervised injection site in Windsor. But those agencies never sought input from police and residents, says Frederick, who is skeptical that such a site won’t foster crime. “If the goal is overdose prevention and suicide prevention, I understand that. But the broader context is public safety and I don’t think (safe injection sites) are as effective as people think them to be,” he said.

But Mackie says the research — much of it focused on Vancouver — shows no link between its opening and increased crime. Instead, studies show, at worst, no change in crime rates and better outcomes for those who inject under the supervision of health care staff who can intervene if there is an overdose, teach how to reduce risks, and serve as resources when those with addictions are ready to seek treatment.

Frederick was not available to comment late Monday afternoon.