RCMP praise Drug Treatment Court program in Fort McMurray

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Police leadership in Fort McMurray are declaring the region’s Drug Treatment Court (DTC) as a success. The program is designed to offer a restorative approach to fighting crime and addictions in the community.

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Since Fort McMurray’s DTC opened in December 2022, 12 people have applied for the program and eight people have been accepted.

“We have seen the positive effects this program has had on its participants, on our community and all members of the Wood Buffalo RCMP Detachment are encouraged to support the candidates throughout the process,” said a statement from Wood Buffalo RCMP.

People who participate in drug treatment court have usually committed a crime driven by drug addiction. The program is designed to break that cycle by offering treatment and courses on overcoming addictions.

Each participant has a customized case plan. DTC participants are supervised, take part in frequent drug testing, and must follow certain incentives and sanctions. They also have access to social and health support services through Alberta Health Services (AHS), including courses on parenting, trauma and finances. Participants must also complete a minimum of 100 volunteer hours.

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Fort McMurray’s first DTC participant was arrested in January 2023. Police did not identify the individual or why he was arrested, but said the man faced a jail sentence. The participant was also homeless and struggling with addictions.

“Starting the program, they expressed an interest in turning their life around and showed a strong commitment to recovery,” said a police statement.

The individual entered the Bonnyville Indian-Metis Rehabilitation Centre in April 2023. The applicant spent 17 months in the program, attended 176 meetings, had 154 negative drug tests and performed 102 hours of community service. They became the program’s first graduate last July.

The experience gained in the program has helped them inspire and support others, and has influenced those who want to make positive changes,” said a police statement.

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The program came to Fort McMurray after Mark Hancock, chief superintendent of Wood Buffalo RCMP, recognized the need for the program in the community. Staff Sergeant Liz MacDonald was assigned to help create the program while partnering with Pastew Place Detox Centre, provincial and federal prosecutors, the Alberta Court of Justice, Legal Aid and Community Corrections and Probation.

Alberta’s first drug treatment court opened in Edmonton in 2005. The program expanded to Calgary in 2007. Drug treatment courts are also open in Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, Red Deer and Grande Prairie.

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vmcdermott@postmedia.com

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