Resources aren’t in place to support drug decriminalization, says Worden

By KENDALL KING, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on January 21, 2022.

kking@medicinehatnews.com

Medicine Hat Chief of Police Mike Worden took part in a virtual meeting hosted by the Alberta Association of Chiefs of Police Thursday, in response to discussions about decriminalization of drugs for personal possession.

“The Alberta Association of Chiefs of Police do not currently support the decriminalization of illicit drugs, without the required supports being in place,” reads a statement from the AACP. “Before decriminalization can be seriously considered, provincial regulations need to be established around key concerns such as consumption around minors, public consumption and disorder regulations and operations of motor vehicles.”

“At this time, we don’t support (drug decriminalization) because we know the resources aren’t in place to support it,” Worden told the News. “What we want is the wellness, health and social service supports in place before we institute these other strategies like drug decriminalization, safe supply and consumption sites. (Decriminalization) can’t happen without these other things; it’s dangerous to start it without these other things in place.”

While Worden and the AACP are not against drug decriminalization, they fear recent discussions about implementing decriminalization in Alberta are shortsighted.

“Portugal is a country that people always talk about when you get into this conversation,” said Worden. “One of the things Portugal did is they put those things in place first, then came in with the harm reduction strategies after.”

During Thursday’s meeting, Worden offered insight on how decriminalization would impact smaller communities like Medicine Hat.

“The larger centers have greater access to some of these addiction recovery resources; in smaller communities that access is less,” said Worden. “It’s a matter of ensuring that areas like Medicine Hat are given the resources we need.”

Worden says he believes continued discussion among officials in government, justice, health and social services might generate positive ideas regarding drug possession and use.

“Everyone is trying to find a solution to this. We all want the best for the people in our communities who are struggling with addictions and drug use. We’re all headed towards the same goal, but we might just be coming at it from different angles,” Worden said. “We’re trying to balance the community’s desire for consequences versus compassion.”

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