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Study: Supervised Sites Don't Boost Crime
7 Jan
Summary
- Research suggests supervised consumption sites did not increase local crime rates.
- Toronto Police data showed mixed, but often declining, crime trends near sites.
- Manitoba plans a supervised consumption site amid ongoing debate.
Research examining supervised consumption sites in Toronto suggests they are not associated with increased local crime, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. The study analyzed crime data within 400 meters of nine sites over a ten-year period.
Findings indicated that while some areas saw an initial rise in break-ins after site openings, these soon decreased. Reports of robberies and various thefts plateaued or declined, and no consistent link was found between sites and auto thefts or assaults.
In Manitoba, the provincial government is pursuing the establishment of a supervised consumption site at 366 Henry Ave. in Winnipeg, citing an urgent need due to a high number of overdose deaths. This initiative proceeds despite some local opposition and previous location changes due to community concerns.
