Drugs, homelessness among top challenges for Windsor police: survey

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Concerns over drug use and homelessness are among the biggest challenges Windsor residents believe the city’s police service will face in the coming years. 

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The Windsor Police Service 2024 Community Survey found that 21 per cent of people consider drug issues the greatest challenge that police will face over the next three years.

At the same time, homelessness and poverty was cited as the second-biggest challenge by 19 per cent of people surveyed, nearly double the 10 per cent in 2023.

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In Amherstburg, 16 per cent of respondents listed drug issues as a top challenge, down from 19 per cent in 2023, while homelessness and poverty rose to 13 per cent, compared to eight per cent last year.

“This input helps ensure we understand our community’s needs and concerns so we can effectively deploy resources and deliver results,” police chief Jason Bellaire said in a statement. 

The survey found that the majority — 90 per cent of Windsor residents and 89 per cent of Amherstburg residents — have a positive perception of the police service.  In addition, 75 per cent of Windsor residents and 94 per cent of Amherstburg residents said they generally felt safe.

A slightly higher percentage of residents in Windsor feel that crime in their neighbourhood has increased — up two per cent from 2022 — over the past two years. Meanwhile, fewer residents in Amherstburg felt crime had increased, down to 32 per cent in 2024 from 38 per cent in 2022. 

Windsor residents also indicated they would like police to focus more on guns and gangs, traffic violations, and repeat offenders. Amherstburg respondents prioritized traffic enforcement, repeat offenders, and cyber crimes. 

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Two in three people found that police are effective in resolving crimes and responding quickly to calls for assistance.

Residents aged 55 and over were more likely to agree that Windsor police are effective in resolving crimes and responding to calls compared to those aged 35-54, according to the survey.

“We thank everyone who took the time to respond to our survey and share constructive feedback,” Bellaire said.

Comprising input from nearly 1,000 residents in Windsor and Amherstburg, the report aims to provide an overview of the community’s perception of the police service. It also highlights the broader trends and challenges in policing and community safety.

More information about the survey and its results are available on the Windsor Police Service website.

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