Cathy Dobson/The Independent

Sarnia’s police chief is calling for a more co-ordinated approach to help those facing homelessness, addiction and mental health issues.

A single point of contact for the public and professionals trying to find shelter and support services for people living rough and seeking detox and medical services is needed, according to Chief Derek Davis.

“Even something as simple as a phone number would be a step in the right direction, if the citizens had a single number to call to report someone that’s facing homelessness challenges or perhaps an encampment,” Davis said speaking this week at a luncheon hosted by the Sarnia-Lambton Chamber of Commerce. 

Various teams at the municipal and county level are currently required to call multiple places to find beds and services for people in distress.

“There’s a lot of good people, good agencies and good organizations all trying to do good things in the community,” Davis said. “I think we would all benefit from a co-ordinating entity somewhere, somehow, so we can work together more effectively.”

The downtown core is a magnet for many people experiencing homelessness because numerous social services and drop in centres are located there, Davis noted.

Sarnia Police services “sweep” the core area every morning and, when better weather arrives this spring, regular foot and bike patrols that proved effective last year, will return, he said. 

Davis said he’d also like to introduce a dedicated officer to the downtown core this year if resources allow.

“It’s an option we’re looking at seriously,” he said, although money hasn’t been budgeted yet.  “The intent is (that) if we can swing it, we’re going to swing it.”

The chief police called downtown Sarnia a priority area. 

“It is very clearly a bit of a lightning rod for the challenges we face,” he said.

 Most recent data from Statistic Canada indicate Sarnia is in the top 25 per cent for crime severity in the country.

Criminal charges have increased 61.6% since 2022 and arrests are up 64 per cent.

“That’s a lot,” Davis said.

Priority 1 events are those that require an immediate response and they have increased 26.8 per cent since 2020, jumping to 10,542 calls in 2024 from 8,312 calls in 2020. 

“There are certainly communities that have it far worse, but I think it would be disingenuous for me to imply it is safe,” he said in an interview later.

“Clearly (being in) the top 25 per cent of crime severity would show otherwise.”

The Crime Severity Index (CSI) uses a system that assigns a weight based on the seriousness of crime. In part, the seriousness is reflected in the length of sentencing handed down by the courts.

The CSI is one of several factors that reflect crime levels, Davis added. “It’s increased…we don’t control it and I think the important part is for folks to be aware and keep it in perspective.”

Davis urged local residents to “partner” with police and report crime, be aware of their surroundings, and take preventative measures.

“It’s truly a partnership. Crime is a big piece but there are a lot of other things that intersect with crime that we need to look at.

“It’s not just the police; it’s the county, it’s social services and the city has their responsibilities,” he said. 

“We have to work together.”