New data from the St. Thomas Police Service shows a marked drop in police calls in the city’s downtown core, pointing to the success of collaborative efforts between housing providers, support services, and police.
Between 2020 and 2024, overall calls for service in the downtown declined by 14%, with some of the most frequent complaint types dropping even more dramatically. Reports of “unwanted persons” decreased by 44% since their 2021 peak, while drug-related calls have fallen 67% since 2020.
“This data shows what’s possible when housing, support services, and the police service work together,” said Chief Marc Roskamp. “The investments made by the City and our partners are reducing pressures on frontline policing while improving outcomes for vulnerable residents and improving community safety and wellness for all.”
Key contributors to the decline, according to police, include the opening of Indwell’s Railway City Lofts in 2021 and The Station in 2023—together providing 61 units of supportive housing—as well as the launch of the Community Response Unit (CRU) in 2022. The CRU connects marginalized individuals with health and housing services while helping divert them from the criminal justice system.
The data also reveals a measurable impact on prolific offenders: individuals housed in Indwell properties were involved in 30% fewer police calls annually compared to those without stable housing.
Police say they remain committed to working with community partners to continue improving public safety while ensuring support for St. Thomas’s most vulnerable residents.
Written by: K. Freeman
