Reimagining Drug Policy: A Cop's Take on Addiction and Crime
It's time to get off the road that we're on and, in the wise words of my former police chief, getting tough on crime won't fix the challenges before us.
Picture this: a seasoned cop with over a decade of experience steps up to the podium at the Canadian Research Initiative on Substance Misuse’ AGM. That cop is Matt Ingrouille, host of the 'Say Know Podcast'. In this compelling episode, Matt dives into the gritty realities of drug policy from the frontlines of law enforcement. He shares stories that are both heart-wrenching and eye-opening, shedding light on the lives impacted by addiction and crime.
You'll hear about a woman who's been through the wringer with multiple police encounters and a man entangled in gang activities and theft. Matt doesn't just recount these tales; he uses them to highlight the root causes of addiction and the ripple effects on community safety. What's striking is Matt's candid admission that addiction isn't something police can fix alone. He argues that the 'tough on crime' approach is outdated and ineffective.
Instead, he calls for policies that tackle the chaos and crime linked to addiction and poverty. This episode offers a fresh perspective on criminal code changes and policy shifts that could make a real difference. If you're curious about how we can better address these issues as a community, this episode is a must-listen.