P.O.W.E.R.
@policeoversight.ca
police oversight with evidence & research
organizing for community power in DTES | we keep us safe
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organizing for community power in DTES | we keep us safe
subscribe to our free newsletter: www.policeoversight.ca
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Confiscations, public health obstructions, and perpetual displacement: Experiences and perspectives on urban law enforcement practices during a period of “recriminalization” among people who use crimi...
People and communities in Vancouver, British Columbia (BC) have been profoundly impacted by the toxic drug crisis, which has driven a province-wide pu…
www.sciencedirect.com
read the first peer-reviewed research paper using data P.O.W.E.R. collected and analyzed via @ijdrugpolicy.bsky.social:
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
#drugsky #harmreduction @pivotlegalsociety.bsky.social @hracollective.bsky.social @harmreductionintl.bsky.social
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
#drugsky #harmreduction @pivotlegalsociety.bsky.social @hracollective.bsky.social @harmreductionintl.bsky.social
Reposted by P.O.W.E.R.
read the first peer-reviewed research paper using data P.O.W.E.R. collected and analyzed via @ijdrugpolicy.bsky.social:
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
#drugsky #harmreduction @pivotlegalsociety.bsky.social @hracollective.bsky.social @harmreductionintl.bsky.social
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
#drugsky #harmreduction @pivotlegalsociety.bsky.social @hracollective.bsky.social @harmreductionintl.bsky.social
Confiscations, public health obstructions, and perpetual displacement: Experiences and perspectives on urban law enforcement practices during a period of “recriminalization” among people who use crimi...
People and communities in Vancouver, British Columbia (BC) have been profoundly impacted by the toxic drug crisis, which has driven a province-wide pu…
www.sciencedirect.com
February 14, 2026 at 4:12 PM
read the first peer-reviewed research paper using data P.O.W.E.R. collected and analyzed via @ijdrugpolicy.bsky.social:
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
#drugsky #harmreduction @pivotlegalsociety.bsky.social @hracollective.bsky.social @harmreductionintl.bsky.social
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
#drugsky #harmreduction @pivotlegalsociety.bsky.social @hracollective.bsky.social @harmreductionintl.bsky.social
Reposted by P.O.W.E.R.
It isn't often the cops get (rightly) called out for misusing data, thanks @cheknews.ca for doing so
For the second time in the first five months in her time as Victoria's police chief, Fiona Wilson is issuing a correction after she publicly presented incorrect data.
‘Concerning’: VicPD issues correction after chief presents inflated data for seond time
For the second time in the first five months in her time as Victoria's police chief, Fiona Wilson is issuing a correction after she publicly presented incorrect data.
cheknews.ca
February 14, 2026 at 2:15 AM
It isn't often the cops get (rightly) called out for misusing data, thanks @cheknews.ca for doing so
Reposted by P.O.W.E.R.
Reposted by P.O.W.E.R.
Island Health and local groups are urging North Cowichan to reconsider "uninhabitable" shelter sites in Somenos marsh.
Advocates warn that recent displacements are linked to health risks and a spike in overdoses. They’re calling for safer, accessible alternatives. #NorthCowichan #IslandHealth
Advocates warn that recent displacements are linked to health risks and a spike in overdoses. They’re calling for safer, accessible alternatives. #NorthCowichan #IslandHealth
‘No one in our community is disposable’: Island Health and community call on North Cowichan to rethink sheltering sites – The Discourse.
Designated overnight sheltering sites in Somenos marsh are ‘increasingly dangerous’, outreach groups say.
thediscourse.ca
February 11, 2026 at 9:00 PM
Island Health and local groups are urging North Cowichan to reconsider "uninhabitable" shelter sites in Somenos marsh.
Advocates warn that recent displacements are linked to health risks and a spike in overdoses. They’re calling for safer, accessible alternatives. #NorthCowichan #IslandHealth
Advocates warn that recent displacements are linked to health risks and a spike in overdoses. They’re calling for safer, accessible alternatives. #NorthCowichan #IslandHealth
Reposted by P.O.W.E.R.
new: open access research in @ijdrugpolicy.bsky.social illustrates some ways that policing in Vancouver has worsened the toxic drug crisis — including alarming examples of police blocking overdose responses & raiding a food donation tent: www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti... @sfu-fhs.bsky.social
February 14, 2026 at 4:07 PM
new: open access research in @ijdrugpolicy.bsky.social illustrates some ways that policing in Vancouver has worsened the toxic drug crisis — including alarming examples of police blocking overdose responses & raiding a food donation tent: www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti... @sfu-fhs.bsky.social
Reposted by P.O.W.E.R.
For the second time in the first five months in her time as Victoria's police chief, Fiona Wilson is issuing a correction after she publicly presented incorrect data.
‘Concerning’: VicPD issues correction after chief presents inflated data for seond time
For the second time in the first five months in her time as Victoria's police chief, Fiona Wilson is issuing a correction after she publicly presented incorrect data.
cheknews.ca
February 14, 2026 at 1:37 AM
For the second time in the first five months in her time as Victoria's police chief, Fiona Wilson is issuing a correction after she publicly presented incorrect data.
read the first peer-reviewed research paper using data P.O.W.E.R. collected and analyzed via @ijdrugpolicy.bsky.social:
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
#drugsky #harmreduction @pivotlegalsociety.bsky.social @hracollective.bsky.social @harmreductionintl.bsky.social
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
#drugsky #harmreduction @pivotlegalsociety.bsky.social @hracollective.bsky.social @harmreductionintl.bsky.social
Confiscations, public health obstructions, and perpetual displacement: Experiences and perspectives on urban law enforcement practices during a period of “recriminalization” among people who use crimi...
People and communities in Vancouver, British Columbia (BC) have been profoundly impacted by the toxic drug crisis, which has driven a province-wide pu…
www.sciencedirect.com
February 14, 2026 at 4:12 PM
read the first peer-reviewed research paper using data P.O.W.E.R. collected and analyzed via @ijdrugpolicy.bsky.social:
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
#drugsky #harmreduction @pivotlegalsociety.bsky.social @hracollective.bsky.social @harmreductionintl.bsky.social
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
#drugsky #harmreduction @pivotlegalsociety.bsky.social @hracollective.bsky.social @harmreductionintl.bsky.social
Reposted by P.O.W.E.R.
"Accessing safer supply supported their adherence to HIV medications," said Andrew Ivsins, a researcher with the BC Centre on Substance Use. "It’s a really important relationship."
In British Columbia, Drug Policy Rollbacks Are Limiting HIV Care - Filter
Harley Ransom began practicing harm reduction in southeastern Ontario in the late 1980s, when he was 6 years old. His ...
filtermag.org
February 10, 2026 at 4:48 PM
"Accessing safer supply supported their adherence to HIV medications," said Andrew Ivsins, a researcher with the BC Centre on Substance Use. "It’s a really important relationship."
Reposted by P.O.W.E.R.
A Street Guide for Your Rights & Responsibilities as a Tenant in SRO & Supportive Housing!
www.policeoversight.ca/p/new-zine-k...
1/5
www.policeoversight.ca/p/new-zine-k...
1/5
NEW ZINE! Know your rights in SRO and supportive housing buildings
P.O.W.E.R., tenants and housing justice groups have created a free resource on tenancy rights in so-called 'supportive housing' and SRO units
www.policeoversight.ca
January 20, 2026 at 7:48 PM
A Street Guide for Your Rights & Responsibilities as a Tenant in SRO & Supportive Housing!
www.policeoversight.ca/p/new-zine-k...
1/5
www.policeoversight.ca/p/new-zine-k...
1/5
Reposted by P.O.W.E.R.
January 27, 2026 at 4:50 AM
Reposted by P.O.W.E.R.
This next horror in the forever emergency of unregulated drug poisonings is brought to you by the ongoing War on Drugs™️.
We need a legal, regulated drug supply for all currently illicit drugs.
We need a legal, regulated drug supply for all currently illicit drugs.
January 27, 2026 at 2:36 AM
This next horror in the forever emergency of unregulated drug poisonings is brought to you by the ongoing War on Drugs™️.
We need a legal, regulated drug supply for all currently illicit drugs.
We need a legal, regulated drug supply for all currently illicit drugs.
Reposted by P.O.W.E.R.
New from me: Members of one of Edmonton’s largest civic unions who work for city police face a “systemic culture of workplace sexual assault, harassment and violence,” an ex-union official claims in letters obtained by Postmedia. edmontonjournal.com/news/local-n...
Civic union members with Edmonton police face 'systemic culture of workplace sexual assault, harassment and violence,' letters claim
Members of one of Edmonton's largest civic unions who work for city police face a "systemic culture of workplace sexual assault, harassment and violence," an ex-union official claims in letters obtain...
edmontonjournal.com
January 22, 2026 at 4:31 PM
New from me: Members of one of Edmonton’s largest civic unions who work for city police face a “systemic culture of workplace sexual assault, harassment and violence,” an ex-union official claims in letters obtained by Postmedia. edmontonjournal.com/news/local-n...
Reposted by P.O.W.E.R.
My son Lakotah died from the toxic drug supply 3 years ago. Jail increased and intensified my son's drug use. It placed him in impossible situations which I could not help extricate him from.
Incarceration is not and will never be compassionate care.
open.substack.com/pub/momsfora...
Incarceration is not and will never be compassionate care.
open.substack.com/pub/momsfora...
At Least They’re in Jail
When Containment Gets Mistaken for Care
open.substack.com
January 22, 2026 at 7:23 PM
My son Lakotah died from the toxic drug supply 3 years ago. Jail increased and intensified my son's drug use. It placed him in impossible situations which I could not help extricate him from.
Incarceration is not and will never be compassionate care.
open.substack.com/pub/momsfora...
Incarceration is not and will never be compassionate care.
open.substack.com/pub/momsfora...
Reposted by P.O.W.E.R.
"By ending the decriminalization pilot, the province is failing to treat addiction as a public-health issue, not a criminal one, and is doubling down on policies that have already caused immense harm to First Nations." - @ubcic.bsky.social President Grand Chief Stewart Phillip
First Nations groups say they’re disappointed to be excluded from BC’s decision to end its drug decriminalization pilot, given the policy’s disproportionate impact on Indigenous people
www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/artic...
www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/artic...
B.C. First Nations groups say they were shut out of decision to end drug decriminalization pilot
Health Minister announced Wednesday that the province is ending its three-year, first-in-Canada pilot program
www.theglobeandmail.com
January 16, 2026 at 9:53 PM
"By ending the decriminalization pilot, the province is failing to treat addiction as a public-health issue, not a criminal one, and is doubling down on policies that have already caused immense harm to First Nations." - @ubcic.bsky.social President Grand Chief Stewart Phillip
Reposted by P.O.W.E.R.
this is an important statement & it cuts to the heart of the policy failure
BCs decriminalization pilot didn't fail b/c it was a bad idea, the BC NDP and david eby were not willing to defend it
First Nations peoples in BC died at ~7x the rate of the rest of the population in 2024
BCs decriminalization pilot didn't fail b/c it was a bad idea, the BC NDP and david eby were not willing to defend it
First Nations peoples in BC died at ~7x the rate of the rest of the population in 2024
"By ending the decriminalization pilot, the Province is failing to treat addiction as a public-health issue, not a criminal one, and is doubling down on policies that have already caused immense harm to First Nations." Grand Chief Stewart Phillip
www.ubcic.bc.ca/ubcic_deeply...
www.ubcic.bc.ca/ubcic_deeply...
UBCIC Deeply Disappointed with B.C.’s Decision to End Decriminalization Pilot and Calls for Return to a Public Health Approach
Working towards the recognition, implementation and exercise of our inherent Indigenous Title, Rights and Treaty Rights
www.ubcic.bc.ca
January 16, 2026 at 3:56 PM
this is an important statement & it cuts to the heart of the policy failure
BCs decriminalization pilot didn't fail b/c it was a bad idea, the BC NDP and david eby were not willing to defend it
First Nations peoples in BC died at ~7x the rate of the rest of the population in 2024
BCs decriminalization pilot didn't fail b/c it was a bad idea, the BC NDP and david eby were not willing to defend it
First Nations peoples in BC died at ~7x the rate of the rest of the population in 2024
Reposted by P.O.W.E.R.
"By ending the decriminalization pilot, the Province is failing to treat addiction as a public-health issue, not a criminal one, and is doubling down on policies that have already caused immense harm to First Nations." Grand Chief Stewart Phillip
www.ubcic.bc.ca/ubcic_deeply...
www.ubcic.bc.ca/ubcic_deeply...
UBCIC Deeply Disappointed with B.C.’s Decision to End Decriminalization Pilot and Calls for Return to a Public Health Approach
Working towards the recognition, implementation and exercise of our inherent Indigenous Title, Rights and Treaty Rights
www.ubcic.bc.ca
January 15, 2026 at 10:52 PM
"By ending the decriminalization pilot, the Province is failing to treat addiction as a public-health issue, not a criminal one, and is doubling down on policies that have already caused immense harm to First Nations." Grand Chief Stewart Phillip
www.ubcic.bc.ca/ubcic_deeply...
www.ubcic.bc.ca/ubcic_deeply...
Reposted by P.O.W.E.R.
B.C. health authorities tried for four years to create a heroin compassion club whose members could purchase a regulated version of the drug without a prescription, an effort to reduce toxic-drug deaths that was ultimately derailed by political blowback
www.theglobeandmail.com/gift/e0c398c...
www.theglobeandmail.com/gift/e0c398c...
January 20, 2026 at 3:25 AM
B.C. health authorities tried for four years to create a heroin compassion club whose members could purchase a regulated version of the drug without a prescription, an effort to reduce toxic-drug deaths that was ultimately derailed by political blowback
www.theglobeandmail.com/gift/e0c398c...
www.theglobeandmail.com/gift/e0c398c...
Reposted by P.O.W.E.R.
The liberal mecca of Vancouver raises its hand. www.policeoversight.ca/p/cop-city
vancouversun.com/opinion/colu...
vancouversun.com/opinion/colu...
Vancouver’s Cop City Budget
Next year’s municipal budget is set to allocate half a billion dollars toward policing.
www.policeoversight.ca
January 13, 2026 at 11:28 AM
The liberal mecca of Vancouver raises its hand. www.policeoversight.ca/p/cop-city
vancouversun.com/opinion/colu...
vancouversun.com/opinion/colu...
Reposted by P.O.W.E.R.
Family of Myles Gray shouldn’t have to ‘rely on charity,’ lawyer says before hearing
Family of Myles Gray shouldn’t have to ‘rely on charity,’ lawyer says before hearing
As a public inquiry into the beating death of 33-year-old Myles Gray at the hands of Vancouver Police Department Officers more than a decade ago is set to begin Monday, the lawyer representing the man’s family says his loved ones shouldn’t have to rely on pro-bono counsel.
bit.ly
January 19, 2026 at 3:30 AM
Family of Myles Gray shouldn’t have to ‘rely on charity,’ lawyer says before hearing