The safety and security of pharmacy teams and patients is a priority for the College, and we are aware of the impact pharmacy robberies can have on Ontarians.
Pharmacy robberies can put people’s physical and mental health at risk, and stolen prescription medications can contribute to the escalating opioid crisis. That’s why the College is collaborating with law enforcement stakeholders such as the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP) and pharmacy stakeholders to identify and implement practical crime prevention strategies through a Pharmacy Safety Initiative.
Time-Delayed Safes
Recognizing the rise in reports of pharmacy robberies across Ontario, the College’s Board of Directors discussed the use of mandatory time-delayed safes in all community pharmacies at its December 12 meeting.
As the College continues to work on the details of a time-delayed safes mandate for community pharmacies leading up to the March 2023 Board meeting, we are sharing further information and FAQs (see below) to support registrants and stakeholders in their plans to implement time-delayed safes in their pharmacies.
The province-wide use of time-delayed safes has proven to be an effective robbery deterrent in other jurisdictions such as British Columbia and Alberta and is a measure that is supported by the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police, local police departments, the Ontario Pharmacists Association, and various corporate and independent pharmacy stakeholders. Saskatchewan is also set to move forward with a similar requirement.
Updates will continue to be shared on this page.
Resources for Pharmacy Professionals
- Board meeting materials – December 2022 meeting (see pages 143-154)
- Board meeting materials – September 2022 meeting (see pages 118-126)
- 3 Ways Time-Delayed Safes Make Pharmacies and Communities Safer (January 2023)
- 3 Tips to Prevent Pharmacy Robberies (May 2022)
- Safety and Security for Pharmacies: Preventing Robberies (February 2018)
- Fact Sheet – Controlled Substances: Security and Reconciliation
- Fact Sheet – Controlled Substances: Reporting Loss or Theft
Updated: February 1, 2023