London Police Drug Patrol Yields Mixed Business Views

London police initiated a street patrol program ten months ago to address public drug use. This initiative, initially called Project Pathways, involves foot patrols, sometimes with healthcare workers, aiming to engage drug users, refer them to support services, and conduct targeted enforcement. Since its launch in April, the program has responded to 5,011 calls for service, with 39% related to drug activity. Police have laid 75 charges and conducted 1,851 seizures, predominantly of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid linked to significant overdose deaths. Business owners' perceptions of the program's effectiveness vary. Some report an increase in open drug use despite police efforts, questioning the impact of seizures. Others have noticed improvements, while acknowledging the challenge of providing safe spaces for users. The program has made 1,406 referrals to organizations like London Cares and Ark Aid, but only 18% of these referrals were accepted. Service providers highlight that trust-building takes time and that engagement must be matched with sufficient service capacity to effectively address substance use concerns.