St. Thomas, ON – A new analysis by the St. Thomas Police Service highlights a clear and positive trend in the downtown core: calls for service are on the decline. Between 2020 and 2024, the number of police calls in the downtown area decreased by 14%, with notable reductions in the most frequent types of calls.
The most common call for service in the downtown remains reports of “unwanted persons.” While this category spiked in 2021, it has since dropped significantly—by 44% from 2021 to 2024. Similarly, complaints involving drug use or behavior in the core have fallen by 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 initiatives contributing to these improvements include the opening of Indwell’s Railway City Lofts in 2021 and The Station in 2023, offering 61 units of supportive housing in total. The launch of the Community Response Unit (CRU) in 2022 has also played a pivotal role, connecting marginalized individuals with health and housing services while helping divert them from the criminal justice system.
Prolific offenders—often individuals with complex needs—have also shown decreased contact with police when housed. Those living at Indwell properties were involved in 30% fewer police calls annually compared to those without housing.
The St. Thomas Police Service remains committed to working collaboratively with local partners to ensure public safety while supporting vulnerable populations.
