No More Deaths in Encampments as Police Crackdown on Criminal Activities

Edmonton’s police chief, Dale McFee, stated that since the province’s navigation centre for displaced homeless-encampment residents has been operational, there have been no deaths related to encampments. The service has been effective in removing the criminal element from camps, leading to a significant decrease in activity around these areas. More individuals, including those outside of the Edmonton Police Service, are now bringing vulnerable people to the navigation centre for access to various services and support.

McFee emphasized the need for a multidimensional approach to address issues such as overdoses, encampments, and crime. He highlighted the importance of looking beyond traditional solutions like more housing or harm reduction. The navigation centre, opened by the province in January, offers a range of services including health care, showers, food, and access to social services. By providing support such as new identification, emergency shelter, housing assistance, detox resources, and cultural supports, the centre aims to address the complex needs of those experiencing homelessness.

In terms of non-emergency calls, Edmonton’s 24-7 crisis diversion team dispatched 77 mobile teams in February, double the average compared to the same time in 2023. These teams engaged with over 3,600 individuals through proactive engagements across the city. The program saw a significant increase in opioid overdoses in February compared to January, indicating the ongoing challenges related to substance use in the community. Non-emergency 211 calls are typically made for individuals who are intoxicated, sleeping in unsafe spaces, dressed inappropriately for the weather, feeling unsafe, or experiencing a mental health crisis.

Deputy Police Chief Warren Dreichel noted that the police are reducing the number of people taken to the navigation centre and are integrating 211 services into their dispatch center. Efforts are being made to streamline the process of connecting individuals in need with the appropriate support services. By working closely with the crisis diversion team and integrating 211 services at a dispatch level, the goal is to improve response times and provide better support to individuals in crisis situations.

Overall, the implementation of the navigation centre and the collaboration between various agencies and services aim to address the complex needs of individuals experiencing homelessness and substance use issues in Edmonton. The focus on a multidimensional approach, proactive engagement, and integrating support services into police dispatch operations indicates a commitment to improving the overall response to vulnerable populations in the community. Efforts to reduce deaths, overdoses, and criminal activity in encampments demonstrate progress in addressing the interconnected challenges faced by this population.