First half of 2023 sees record number of overdose deaths

The City of Regina has seen a record amount of overdose deaths through the first six months of 2023.

According to the Board of Police Commissioners monthly statistics, the Regina Police have reported 72 apparent overdose deaths as of June 30.

Police have also reported 1,307 overdose occurrences so far this year.

While this year is set to be the deadliest on record, June saw the fewest overdose deaths so far in a month, with six overdose deaths.

Deputy Chief with the Regina Police Service Lorilee Davies said that the more people are aware of the city’s overdose problem, the better.

“I think the more people that are aware that something needs to be done, I think that is going to lead us down the path of where we need to go,” she said. “I think there is a need for a lot more services in our community, and I don’t think that would come as a surprise.”

Davies said that how services and supports are offered must be reimagined.

“I think we have to take services to people in the community. We can’t expect the community to walk into a hospital and say, “I’m, help me get sober.” I think we really have to reimagine how we map out those services.”

Looking at other statistics from the first six months of 2023, the Regina Police Service has seen an increase in the total calls of service.

Crimes against a person saw a 25.6 increase, with over 300 more incidents this year than last year, with attempted murder, robbery, and assaults all seeing increasingly significant. increases.

Other significant statistics, such as all criminal code drug violations and traffic tickets issues, are both up, while homicides are down so far this year.