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Rise of Child Exploitation, Opioids, Concern Police

Niagara police seek more funding to fight what they say is rising crime

Niagara Regional police are seeking more resources to fight increased problems such as child exploitation and opioid overdoses.

During a recent police services board meeting, Chief Bryan MacCulloch noted as Niagara's population grows, the staggering rise of opioid related cases is overworking officers who already work very well with other units who offer help.

"We have reached a point where we need to provide a additional level of self sufficiency within the unit, recognizing that we cannot continuously pull investigators away from their home units, and negatively impact their own case loads," he revealed.

The Chief pointed out there were 165 opioid related deaths in 2021, but, life saving naloxone kits saved 1,178 lives.

Meanwhile, some very disturbing stats concerning child exploitation cases.

The Chief says substantial growth of internet child luring during the pandemic has put continued strain on already taxed police forces.  "The reality is that our detectives must triage these investigations, involving some of the most vulnerable members of our community, and focus their efforts on the most prolific offenders, simply due to the sheer volume of complaints that are received." 

The police indicated more resources will not only protect children, but help investigators process evidence, as well as help them constantly update technology, which criminals are continually adapting to.


 

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