Greater Sudbury’s downtown core faces a range of complex social and safety challenges – from open-air drug use and substance intoxication to trespassing, panhandling, and property-related crime.

To address these concerns, the Greater Sudbury Police Service (GSPS) launched the Support First Initiative for 360 Community Safety – a month-long framework designed to reduce open drug use through a compassionate, community-based approach.

A Compassionate Strategy

The Support First Strategy prioritizes connecting individuals experiencing addiction with vital support services such as housing, food, and treatment before considering enforcement. Arrests are reserved for cases where individuals repeatedly decline assistance, are non-compliant and pose a significant risk to public safety.

Working in collaboration with local organizations, GSPS officers have been engaging directly with vulnerable individuals, offering pathways to recovery and stability. The initiative emphasizes diversion over detention, aiming to build trust, reduce harm, and foster a healthier downtown environment.

Results: November 3-28, 2025

  • 238 focused patrols and 59 person stops conducted in the downtown core
  • 190 referrals to support services (30 accepted, 103 declined, 57 unknown outcome)
  • 18 warnings issued under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA)
  • 8 arrests for drug offences
  • Seizures included: 41g cocaine, 17.3g fentanyl, 11 Percocet, 10.2g crack cocaine, 15 syringes, 33 pipes, and one 9mm Glock handgun
  • 1 arrest and 13 warnings under the Trespass to Property Act (TTPA)
  • 11 warnings for panhandling

Open-Air Drug Use Trends

  • Week 1: 26 reported occurrences
  • Week 2: 16 occurrences (38% reduction compared to week 1)
  • Week 3: 8 occurrences (69% reduction compared to week 1)
  • Week 4: 7 occurrences (73% reduction compared to week 1)

Of the 57 total occurrences, only 31.5% were reported by the public; the remainder were identified through proactive officer patrols.

Year-over-Year Comparison (November 2024 vs. November 2025)

  • 57% increase in focused patrols
  • 17% decrease in unwanted person calls
  • 159% increase in drug offence calls
  • 45% decrease in ambulance assistance calls
  • 71% decrease in break & enters

Ongoing Community Engagement

Through regular foot and bike patrols, GSPS officers continue to:

  • Build trust with residents and business owners
  • Respond quickly to crimes in progress
  • Connect vulnerable community members with community supports
  • Apprehend and arrest individuals who pose elevated risks to public safety

Public Safety Contacts

  • For non-emergencies, call GSPS at 705-675-9171 or report online
  • For emergencies, call 911

Commitment to Community Safety

Together, we are committed to fostering a downtown that is safe, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of all. The Support First Initiative represents a meaningful step toward 360 Community Safety – where health, compassion, and accountability work hand in hand for public safety.

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