Vancouver City Council

MOTION ON NOTICE

Submitted by Councillor Sullivan for June 10 Regular Council Meeting

Policing in Downtown Eastside

MOVER: Councillor Sullivan
SECONDER: Councillor

WHEREAS

Drug use and addiction is increasingly seen as a problem that requires treatment, therapy and management

Experience around the world has shown that exclusive reliance on enforcement and the criminal justice system has not been effective

Vancouver has had one of the world's largest open drug markets in the Downtown Eastside

People with drug addictions in the Downtown Eastside have rates of Hepatitis C of over 90% and rates of HIV/AIDS of over 30%

People with drug addictions need to be treated with compassion and support

NEVERTHELESS, WHEREAS

All neighbourhoods deserve to have public order and safety on their streets

The majority of residents of the Downtown Eastside are not drug users

The majority of drug users in the Downtown Eastside do not contribute to public disorder and crime

AND, WHEREAS

The Vancouver Police Department has recently increased its enforcement of public order and safety in the Downtown Eastside

This enforcement was accomplished only through extraordinary efforts by the whole Police Department

The Vancouver Police Department is staffed by highly trained professionals who are widely regarded as demonstrating tolerance and compassion in performing their duties.

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The recent effort to bring public order and safety to the streets of the Downtown Eastside has been conducted in an exemplary manner despite its difficulty

More resources will be required to maintain this enforcement on a long-term basis

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

· THAT staff meet with the Chief Constable to develop options to provide ongoing further support to the Vancouver Police Department in its efforts to bring public order and safety to the Downtown Eastside and all neighbourhoods of the City; and

· THAT Vancouver City Council request the Vancouver Police Department be inclusive in receiving input from all interested parties on the ways in which they implement this important initiative.

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