Opioid overdoses are claiming the lives of thousands of people across Ontario and are steadily increasing say the OPP.
The statistics and numbers related to overdoses do not capture the profound distress being felt by those impacted says a news release. Observers may hesitate to call 911 in fear of police involvement.
To encourage people to seek life-saving assistance the OPP is launching the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act (GSDOA) public awareness campaign.
"The OPP is upholding its commitment to the Ontario Mobilization and Engagement Model of Community Policing and is using a collaborative approach to disseminate this public awareness campaign," says Constable Jeff Handsor. "Partnering with other community organizations will help the OPP better connect with people that are directly impacted by this Act."
The OPP has created posters, information cards and community safety videos to help educate the public and community agencies. These resources as well as other additional information about the GSDOA can be found here.and on OPP social media accounts.
The law does provide protection against charges for:
- Possessing drugs for your own use
- Violating conditions of your parole, bail, probation or conditional sentence for a simple drug possession charge
The law does not provide protection against charges for:
- Trafficking illegal drugs
- Offences other than drug possession
- Any outstanding arrest warrants
- Violating conditions of your parole, bail, probation or conditional sentence for an offence that is not simple possession
"The complex opioid crisis requires a collaborative multi-agency approach," says Handsor. "We truly hope that by having this public awareness campaign, members of our community take the opportunity to increase their knowledge and awareness of this public health crisis.
"When the OPP investigate incidents that occur, it is recognized that the issue is often much more complex and to resolve requires a collaborative approach. The OPP enlist the help of other professionals and various local agencies to identify and work through the problem collectively, by providing supports and resources. It is imperative that officers up hold the law but also work toward the root cause of the problem, to limit further interaction with police and prevent criminality.
"If you are in a situation where you suspect an overdose, please do not hesitate to call 911 and save a life."
The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act applies to anyone seeking emergency support during an overdose, including the person experiencing an overdose. The act protects the person who seeks help, whether they stay or leave from the overdose scene before help arrives. The act also protects anyone else who is at the scene when help arrives.
The act can protect you from:
- Charges for possession of a controlled substance (i.e., drugs) under section 4(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
- Charges for possession of cannabis under section 8(1) of the Cannabis Act
- Breach of conditions regarding simple possession of controlled substances (i.e.drugs)
- parole
- pre-trial release (bail)
- probation orders
- conditional sentences
The act does not provide legal protection against more serious offences, such as:
- production and trafficking of controlled substances
- outstanding warrants
- Violating conditions of your parole, pre-trial release (bail), probation order or conditional sentence for an offence that is not simple possession
- all other criminal offences
