MEDIA RELEASE
Victoria, BC – April 26, 2024 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
B.C. Associa�on of Chiefs of Police Responds to Provincial Announcement on Decriminaliza�on
In Bri�sh Columbia, we know all too well the severity of the toxic drug crisis. On April 14, 2016, it was
deemed a public health emergency in Bri�sh Columbia. Since this �me, tragically, more than 14,000
Bri�sh Columbians have died from accidental overdose: 7 people a day.
In recogni�on of the magnitude of this crisis, police leaders in Bri�sh Columbia supported
decriminaliza�on, taking a medically led approach to substance use. At the heart of it, police agreed that
people should not be criminalized as a result of their personal drug use. We are also acutely aware of the
adverse impacts of illicit drugs in our rural and Indigenous communi�es.
However, as police leaders, we were unequivocal about the need to prevent unintended impacts on
community safety and well-being, especially youth. The Bri�sh Columbia Associa�on of Chiefs of Police
(BCACP) clearly iden�fied some of those poten�al consequences prior to the submission of the exemp�on
request, both orally and in wri�ng. These serious concerns included, but were not limited to, the maters
of public consump�on, consump�on in licensed establishments and other semi-public spaces, and
driving-related concerns. Nevertheless, the implementa�on of decriminaliza�on occurred before more
fulsome restric�ons on public consump�on and problema�c substance use could be adopted.
Today, the BCACP welcomes the announcement by the Province to address public drug consump�on in
Bri�sh Columbia. As advocates for community safety and well-being, the BCACP has long emphasized the
need for legisla�on to address public drug use without criminalizing individuals solely by virtue of their
personal drug use.
Deputy Chief Fiona Wilson, President of the B.C. Associa�on of Chiefs of Police (BCACP), emphasized, “Our
goal has always been to foster safe and welcoming communi�es across Bri�sh Columbia. We firmly
believe that individuals struggling with addic�on should receive support and resources rather than
puni�ve measures. Today’s announcement is a step in the right direc�on to ensure our communi�es
remain safe and inclusive.”
The BCACP has been a vocal proponent for policies that balance harm reduc�on with community safety.
Recognizing the concerns voiced by communi�es, business leaders, and individuals regarding public drug
consump�on, the BCACP has ac�vely engaged in advoca�ng for measures to address these issues
effec�vely.
“We have heard loud and clear from various stakeholders about the challenges posed by public drug
consump�on, especially in areas frequented by children, youth, and families,” Deputy Chief Wilson stated.
“The BCACP welcomes restric�ons on the use of illicit drugs in public spaces. This aligns with our
commitment to safeguarding the well-being of all community members as it provides our membership
with the tools to effec�vely do their job. However, we want to be clear that police in Bri�sh Columbia do
not wish to criminalize individuals who use drugs.”
The BCACP remains commited to collabora�ng with government agencies, community organiza�ons, and
stakeholders to implement comprehensive strategies that address substance use issues while priori�zing
public safety and harm reduc�on.
Senior police leaders recognize and support the need to balance the rights, needs, and well-being of all
persons. Decriminaliza�on, by its very nature, is grounded in a respect for the rights of people who use
drugs and in a genuine concern for the acute risk that arises due to the toxicity of the illicit drug supply.
We look forward to iden�fying next steps in addressing these cri�cal public safety issues.
Deputy Chief Fiona Wilson
President, BC Associa�on of Chiefs of Police
For media inquiries, please contact:
Tiffany Parton
Execu�ve Director
BC Associa�on of Chiefs of Police
778-828-8170
Tiffany.Parton@bcacp.ca
About the BC Associa�on of Chiefs of Police (BCACP)
The B.C. Associa�on of Chiefs of Police (BCACP) is a non-profit organiza�on dedicated to promo�ng
effec�ve law enforcement and public safety in Bri�sh Columbia. The BCACP represents police chiefs and
senior law enforcement officials from municipal, provincial, and federal agencies across the province. The
associa�on strives to enhance collabora�on, knowledge sharing, and professional development among its
members to address the evolving challenges in policing and ensure the safety and well-being of the
communi�es they serve.
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