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The following communication was received from the Vancouver Police Department in response to a Pivot Legal open letter published by the Straight on April 3.

The Downtown Eastside is a very complex environment, which creates unique public safety challenges. We see high levels of poverty, substance use, and mental health issues in the area. There are also high levels of property crime and street disorder. These issues are further compounded during the COVID-19 crisis.

As a police service, our goal is to address the safety needs of all community members, including residents and local merchants. We share concern for the health and safety of residents of the Downtown Eastside during the COVID-19 crisis. The VPD is an active participant in the city’s community resilience initiative, created by the City in response to COVID-19, and we are working with other partners to help people who are most at risk.

The VPD’s specialized outreach officers are very active in the DTES at this time and continue to work with patrol members and partner organizations to help connect people without homes, or who are living with mental health or substance use issues, with appropriate resources.

Our sex industry liaison officer remains very active in the community. This member acts as an advocate for the industry and provides support to many women who live and work in the DTES.

However, police cannot cease public safety measures in the DTES. There continue to be calls from citizens and businesses for police service for violent crime and property crime. We expect officers to deal with property crime, street disorder, and violence and protect the public.

On drug use, our approach is guided by the view that addiction is a health issue, not a criminal justice issue. For example, we actively support discussion, research, and initiatives to provide safe supply and do not arrest for simple drug possession.

We have a “no response” policy for overdoses that was enacted several years ago to ensure anyone overdosing or assisting someone who has overdosed, is not reluctant to contact 9-1-1 for fear of police involvement. The VPD will only attend overdoses when requested by VFRS or paramedics. Further, we fully support OPS operations. In fact, our officers encourage people to use the sites and not use alone.