Kingston Police report feedback and challenges in implementing Community Safety & Support Initiative

By Christena Lawrie, CFRC's Broadcast Journalist and Local Journalism Initiative Reporter.

Kingston Police recently updated the Kingston Police Service Board on the Community Safety & Support Initiative, launched in July 2024 to improve safety in the downtown core.

Two officers have been leading efforts to address concerns from local businesses and residents, specifically issues surrounding homelessness and open-air drug use.

According to Chief Scott Fraser, working closely with addiction and mental health services, shelters, bylaw enforcement, and other partner agencies has been key.

“I can certainly say [when I’m] downtown, I’ve had people approach me to say, whatever you’re doing, please keep doing it,” Fraser stated.

While Fraser noted progress, he also acknowledged ongoing challenges with limited resources to tackle the mental health crisis at the root of the issue, stating that more robust solutions will have to come from upper levels of government.

Listen to the full story here.