January 14, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BCACP Responds to Province’s Decision to End Decriminalization in British Columbia
Vancouver, BC – The British Columbia Association of Chiefs of Police (BCACP) supports the province’s decision to end the decriminalization exemption and urges immediate investment in health and social supports to address the toxic drug crisis.
Decriminalization was introduced as a health-led response to the toxic drug crisis, and police leaders across the province recognized that there was an identified need to explore new approaches that would curtail the mounting overdose death toll, connect people with care and reduce harm. However, evolving evidence and real-world experience have demonstrated that decriminalization alone does not address the root causes of substance use disorders or the systemic gaps in treatment and recovery.
In addition, unintended consequences emerged during the pilot, including a noticeable increase in public drug use, street disorder, and related impacts on community safety. These outcomes have highlighted the importance of ensuring that any approach to substance use is carefully balanced, well supported by health and social services, is responsive to community concerns and ensures accessible pathways to treatment.
The BCACP reiterates the following principles:
- Enforcement has a role where public safety is at risk, but lasting solutions require compassionate and comprehensive health-led services.
- Progress requires sustained, coordinated effort across health systems, community partners, and people with lived experience.
- A health-first approach must remain central. Individuals struggling with addiction need access to high-quality treatment, recovery supports, harm reduction services, and long-term wrap-around care.
- A collaborative response is essential. Strengthening diversion programs, expanding treatment capacity, investing in mental health care, and supporting community-based services remain critical priorities.
- Police will continue to support our health partners and other first responders throughout this transition.
Police in British Columbia remain committed to protecting public safety and fostering healthier, safer communities. As the Province transitions away from the decriminalization exemption, the BCACP will work closely with police leaders, government, the Public Prosecution Service of Canada (PPSC), and community partners to ensure the transition is clearly communicated and that frontline officers receive the guidance and support they need.
The BCACP continues to call for an evidence-based national dialogue on substance use policy, grounded in lessons learned from decriminalization and other approaches, to refine strategies that meet the needs of vulnerable individuals while preserving public trust and community safety. We urge all levels of government to act swiftly to expand treatment and recovery services, strengthen mental health supports, and ensure sustainable funding for community-based care.
Deputy Chief Andrew Chan
President
BC Association of Chiefs of Police
For media inquiries:
Leanne MacLeod
Interim Executive Director
BC Association of Chiefs of Police
leanne.macleod@bcacp.ca
About BCACP
The British Columbia Association of Chiefs of Police is the professional voice of policing leadership in the province, representing senior police leaders dedicated to promoting public safety and effective, equitable policing services for all communities.