To the Editor, A notable share of publicized arrests in Sarnia involve people described as having “no fixed address.” Since February, the Sarnia Police Service has used that label in 62 of 208 media releases this year (about 29.8%, based on my count as of August 13). If both media coverage and enforcement accurately reflect […]
To the Editor,
A notable share of publicized arrests in Sarnia involve people described as having “no fixed address.” Since February, the Sarnia Police Service has used that label in 62 of 208 media releases this year (about 29.8%, based on my count as of August 13). If both media coverage and enforcement accurately reflect reality, that is a significant proportion. The Chief has said many are repeat contacts and officers are stretched thin. If the goal is fewer repeat offences and unwanted-person calls, enforcement alone will not achieve it.
Other cities have faced the same challenge and changed course. In St. Thomas, the police service partnered with Indwell to combine enforcement with prevention by diverting people into housing-first units with on-site supports instead of repeatedly arresting them. This approach reduced chronic homelessness and lowered police calls, showing that coordinated housing and policing strategies can make communities safer.
Sarnia can do the same. If SPS and the Police Services Board genuinely want repeat offences linked to people without fixed addresses to fall, they should publicly advocate Indwell’s supportive-housing proposal as well as others like it, and partner on a focused pilot that formalizes diversion.
The SPS and the Board have the data, a proven model, and the ability to act.
"Now's the time to shine."
Sources:
https://www.stthomastoday.ca/2
Gary Parkes
