Fatal overdoses down in first three months of 2022, police report
Looking at the lower number of police-reported fatal overdose deaths so far this year compared to last, Regina police Chief Evan Bray is cautiously optimistic that programs are working.
Between January and March of 2022 there have been 32 apparent overdose deaths compared to 38 last year over the same time frame.
While Bray is encouraged by this, he knows that each person lost is a tragedy and doesn't want to focus too much on the numbers without considering the people.
“You can't look, sometimes, at the big picture; you have to enjoy and appreciate these little wins that ultimately build a safer community,” he said during Tuesday's Regina Board of Police Commissioners meeting. The focus on reducing the stigma around addiction, encouraging best practices, safe consumption and the testing of drugs is hopefully helping, said Bray.
“That has to make a positive difference, and I think we can't take our foot off the gas pedal. We've got some good momentum. Let's keep going on this.”
Pointing to the Newo Yotina Friendship Centre and its safe consumption site, the chief said when that program expands hours and availability through funding, it will have an even greater impact on preventing and reversing fatal overdoses. In February alone the centre reversed seven overdoses, according to the centre's executive director Michael Parker.
Monthly crime statistics were presented during Tuesday's Board of Police Commissioner meeting, as was an update on overdoses in the city.
Year-to-date crimes against property in the city are up 177 incidents or 8.6 per cent, cases of theft under $5,000 were up 15.3 per cent, but auto theft went down 17.8 per cent. Crimes against the person went down 4.5 per cent but there were 15 reported robberies in March, which accounted for a 20.5 increase over the previous year.
Overall, when those figures are combined, crime is up 5.6 per cent year-over-year as of the end of March. All told Regina police received 149 more reported crimes.